Back At Berean
(written at Pastor’s return to the pulpit in March 2025)
This morning, I am thankful to return to the pulpit of the Berean Baptist Church. Although I enjoy visiting with Christians in other parts of the country and I especially rejoice when I meet others closely aligned with us on the doctrines of the faith, there are still many other aspects of these churches that feel nothing like home. You have heard me say the most important part of worship in the church is the preaching from the pulpit. This will always be the most scrutinized part of worship in the churches I attend. If the preaching is not solid in the fundamentals of the faith and in those doctrines that correctly express the sovereignty of God, I would not recommend the church.
Additionally, there are preferential issues that wound the spirit and make it hard to enjoy the preaching of the word. We all know that music has the potential of lifting us and helping us to adore our Lord while at other times the poor presentation and the worldly style of it can never make us feel as if we are anywhere near where angels tread. I experienced some of this in the services I attended but I always came away with something helpful because the preaching each week was solid. Do I need to ask the Lord to forgive me because I thought Satan composed the music program?
Attending church is not always the panacea for our spiritual ills we hope it will be. I appreciate the good I received in these churches, but nothing could revive my spirit like being in my home church. The people in our regular worship circle are much more likely to be one with us in the Holy Spirit. I am excited to meet these other Christians, and we will be in heaven together, but they do not attract my attention as deeply and sincerely as those I have had the privilege of helping to grow in the faith. Part of what I am trying to say is sitting in the church is different from working in the church. Those who only sit in the church can sit disconnected in a variety of assemblies without feeling troubled or empty. Those who work and must work are not content to do anything other than just this. I walk into this church, and it is my church whereas my attendance elsewhere is only as an outsider looking in. I do not have as much ability to impact the lives of people I briefly meet.
Christ designed His church as an active fellowship. It is people who work together, stay together, worship together; they build a community together. This is who we are at Berean. I love to serve here because our people show appreciation for the Word. You will not tolerate anything less than the whole counsel of truth. You have shown uncommon appreciation for the shepherd. Your Christ-like spirit is abundantly evident as revealed in the concern you have for my emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. My strength still needs evaluation. I have no fears that if I should not be as fit as I hoped, you will help me as much as I need. We have flipped the pastoral/congregational dynamic these past few months. This should make us all more aware that in the final assessment of our lives at Christ’s judgment seat, we are none higher than the other. As the apostle wrote: “Let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.” (Philippians 3:16b)
My sincere thanks for all the love and support I have received. There are too many experiences to enumerate here. Suffice to say, I am thrilled to be back in your tender embrace.
Pastor V. Mark Smith