We often describe certain New Testament Baptist Churches by saying something like, “They are a strong church!” or “They are a giving church!” Maybe we proclaim, “They are a talented church” or “an evangelistic church.” Many times we just hear, “They are a GOOD church.”
The Biblical reality is that if there is anything good about any group of people then that is only because of the grace of God. Every assembly of born-again, baptized believers in Jesus Christ is made up of people who were born in sin, were rebels against God, and practiced sin as a style of life. “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Paul reminded that wonderful church in Ephesus that before they were saved by God’s grace they were “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). He went on to write that they were saved by grace to do good works to the glory of God (Ephesians 2:8-10). Who is it that makes it possible for born-again people to do good works? “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).
The reality is that any church that qualifies as a church of the Lord’s is a work of GRACE to the glory of the God of grace! What about you? Have you been saved from your sin by the grace of God? Are you a member of a church where the grace of God is at work? If you are interested in these matters, I’d love to help you.