There was a goodness in our worship gathering yesterday. Former Pastor, H.D. McCarty, preached in the pulpit that he manned for 39 years. So, first I should say “thank you” to H.D. for accepting the invitation. It is good to celebrate longevity in the pulpit for it declares the faithfulness of God to His people. Though fallen and sinful, Christ redeems such men to be used for His purposes and glory. As well, it was good to have the man that I’ve spent some time with over the last (almost) 6 years preach in a place where I now stand. It’s frankly just a flat out humbling reminder that God will use whom God will use, and that’s good.

There were several faces I’d not seen in the congregation in a long, long time. It is good to see and fellowship with other saints from other places and other generations for we are reminded of the eternal dwelling we will share in kingdom come!

The changes at UBC over the years I’m certain were noted by many and were perhaps highlighted by our gathering yesterday. The music is different, the decor slightly changed, the attire more informal. However, it is good to see the kind of changes that may be apparent for they give way to the unchangeable purpose for our gathering: To exalt the unchangeable God, treasure Christ, worship in Spirit, and proclaim His truth…the immovable gospel.

The day seemed pretty thick with emotion and hope. I pray that all that we should rally around, gather for, and pursue missionally will rise to the surface for the community to see & hear. I pray that Christ be treasured in our midst and His gospel proclaimed to the University of Arkansas, our neighborhood, and our city. I pray that as long as the Lord tarries, He preserve the pulpit of UBC to keep the Word centrally proclaimed for without it nothing can be done in faith, and without faith it’s impossible to please Him!

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
(Romans 10:17 ESV)

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
(Hebrews 11:6 ESV)

It was good to gather yesterday for God is good and He shows His goodness in using frail men like me and H.D. to put His perfect power and glory on display through the Word preached.