God’s Big Love

Centerville

Zechariah 4:10 “For who despises the day of small things? These seven eyes of the Lord, which scan throughout the whole earth, will rejoice when they see the ceremonial stone in Zerubbabel’s hand.” CSB

Is your church a growing presence in the community? Are newcomers welcomed, and do members care for each other? Do you support one another in times of need? Do you show love for your pastor and his family, and pray for them?

If you go to a small “c” church, you may not be able to answer most of those questions positively. In that case, God’s Big Love is not clear to many people.

But if you attend a church, no matter the size, where the Spirit of God lives, then you can answer, “Yes!” to most if not all of those questions.

The faithful believers that God uses are building His Church. They are candid about teaching the penalty for sin and the terrible cost to Jesus. That is the kindness of the Gospel. Romans 8:29

God’s Big Love is the attraction. It is not the money, power or charisma of the pastor or the membership. God’s Love is what draws people to repentance. His Love is among the Body of Christ, the Church (big “C”).

These people are busy working where the Spirit leads them, to build the Kingdom of God.

Look at the photo below.

Our attention goes to the yellow flower, but the true beauty is in the tiny purple flowers. The people of God are like that in the Church. They shine with Life for those who have been misled by flashy, dangerous lies.

The Church is vibrant for God, no matter its size when it is Spirit led.

There is a church that I want to tell you about in today’s study. Centerville Church shines brightly in the community for the Savior.

Lost people searching for Jesus will find Him at Centerville. When anyone seeks God with their whole heart, the Holy Spirit will always show the way. (Romans 2:4).

Centerville Church has a pastor and members who reach those that are perishing in the dark.

Centerville is a small church in Southeast Louisiana with fewer than 100 members, including farmers, schoolteachers, homemakers, retirees, and others who sincerely love God and wish to raise their children in His House.

Throughout the years, the members of Centerville lived and died. Centerville never grew to be a large church. For a time, Centerville seemed to fade. I wasn’t there when the fade began.

Whatever the reason, Centerville was faced with making a choice between two paths. They could continue in decline or go back to the Source of Light for help.

I am so grateful to tell you that Centerville has chosen the more excellent way. 1 Corinthians 12:31.

Centerville is led by a young pastor named Jake, who is married to Caitlin. They have four young children. Jake teaches high school, while Caitlin, an educated professional herself, has chosen to be a stay-at-home mom. They keep their priorities straight, putting God first in their lives, which helps them give their best to everything else.

They are not perfect, nor do they claim to be. But you can see their determination to lead Centerville by example. They do not live a charmed life with no sorrow. They have had loss and hardship. But they know that the darkness can’t overwhelm God’s Light. They also depend on the prayers, support and friendship of Centerville.

God wants this family and the faithful members at Centerville to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) of Jesus. And that is exactly what they do.

Centerville, though small, is growing and offers hope to those seeking God. It understands that a true abundant life, as defined by God, isn’t about material wealth, perfect health, or fulfilling all desires.

Isaiah 32:17

The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.

Living an abundant life through faith means finding peace and experiencing all of God’s promises fully. This includes the fruit of the Spirit, God’s Word, and sharing His love. It is the assurance that He is always good and never makes mistakes. Even in death or hard times, when darkness surrounds us, God’s Light remains strong.

Psalm 119:105

Many people are drawn to Spirit-less churches, too. But they grow with false promises of merit earned prosperity and salvation.

They are full of empty words and false pretenses. Those preachers make promises they are too small (in character) to keep.

Click to see God’s definition of the abundant life. Ephesians 2:4-7