We have been greatly blessed by the series of celebrations for our 90th Anniversary over 90 days. It has been inspiring and encouraging to remember the love and mercy of God towards our congregation. We praise the Lord for His enduring kindness and generosity. WVBC is a testimony to God’s presence and power on the North Shore. We have seen the Spirit of God healing lives and renewing hearts. We are becoming a community of people who love one another and pray for one another.
Looking ahead, what are some of the opportunities and challenges for WVBC? I sense a prevailing culture of amusement and entitlement will affect the way we engage people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Recent reports from Google about the most popular search items in 2011 reveal certain features of this culture. Celebrities and video games dominate search interests. “What is love?” was the most searched query. While Canadians are amusing themselves, there is an inner yearning for love. Ironically, celebrities offer vicarious experiences but do not satisfy the deeper longing for authentic relationships that endure. There is an openness to the spiritual but it is undermined by emotional immaturity and cynicism.
In the Google report, there is a conspicuous absence of “Jesus” among the top ten searches. Brands like Apple and Google are better recognized than Jesus Christ. We are not surprised when the recent “Back to Bethlehem” presentations reaffirmed the vital need to tell the story of Christmas as it really is. People need to hear the Gospel according to Jesus Christ. We have a compelling reason to present “Back to Bethlehem” in 2012. As followers of Jesus, we embody the life and love of Jesus. Therefore, we are witnesses who testify boldly concerning the person and work of Jesus. We are also characterized by a deep confidence and courage in waiting for the return of our Lord Jesus. In other words, we watch and wait with patience and resilience. Just as the first Advent came without warning, so the second Advent will take place when people are most skeptical, cynical and defiant. However, Jesus issued a warning and reminder to his disciples that we should always be ready and prepared.
The Lord Jesus warned the disciples: “Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:12-14 NLT) In our day, we observe how sin is rampant and the love of many have grown cold. We also note how the Good News is spreading throughout the world. Therefore, we have an urgent mission today. We are called to share the message and love of Jesus. We are also called to be courageous disciples who grow in love and maturity. It is my prayer that WVBC will become a community of love where the Spirit of Christ is present and the Father is glorified in our worship, fellowship and service together.
