On May 13, 2009 I wrote a note on a page of my Bible. I wrote that the verses I had just read, had been given to me as a promise to claim concerning our church, Biltmore Baptist. The scripture was Isaiah 9:2-4a.
"The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them. Thou shalt multiply the nation, thou shalt increase their gladness; They will be glad in Your presence as with the gladness of harvest, as men rejoice in dividing the spoil. For Thou shalt break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders. "
I ran across this passage today and was blown away as God revealed to me the ways He was answering that promise. I keep reliving the past few services in our church in my mind. I keep remembering the vision I had when I initially read these verses and how they've been fulfilled before my eyes. I'm amazed.
You see, I live in a city where darkness hovers. I can sense it when I walk the streets. Our town is a dichotomy of simple God-fearing mountain people and pseudo=spiritual seekers who deny the exclusivity of the gospel of Christ and His moral code. But, I know that God is wanting to do a supernatural work of grace in our midst and to do so there must be a burst of light from our church that cannot be ignored. And every week through this teaching series, I see evidence of that movement of God beginning in us as a church. He is starting with us. The focus is no longer on the superficial. We are looking in the mirror. We are able to admit and confess that WE need to change. WE have things in our lives that are inconsistent with our confession of Christ. And the winds of revival are blowing, as God's people repent and resolve to walk in integrity, get rid of our excuses, and come clean with our imperfections. We are learning not to try to export a relationship with Christ that is not backed up by undeniable evidence of the life changing power of the resurrection.
Our sense of celebration is evident in our worship too. We are glad in His presence as those who rejoice in the harvest. We are worshiping from the overflow of our week. We are expressing our dependence on Him. We are freely displaying our gratitude for the grace we've received. The yoke of our burden of trying to live for Jesus in our own fleshly power is falling off. We are focusing on relationship not religion, regeneration not resolve. Our masks are off. We are not "That big church on the hill" any longer. We have become the light in our city, by shining in our subdivisions, and boardrooms and schools. We are real, accessible, caring, and compassionate. God has brought a brokenness and freedom that can be a platform for reaching those who are searching for lasting peace and hope.
I'm so thankful for the leaders and pastors who have been so clear in their vision for our church. I'm grateful for those who have led the way in earnest prayer, transparency, and sacrifice. I'm moved with love by the precious believers and church members who are such a joy to lead. The way they respond to teaching and step up to work and give and reach out is a rare and beautiful gift. It is a crown for those who served this church before us. We are reaping in their footsteps.
We are rejoicing as men dividing up the prizes of war. And we are in fact in a battle for our city. But the hundreds of stories of life change and victory are more precious to me than gold. The stories of marriages repaired, addictions shattered, relationships restored, and the hearts on fire again are evidence of God at work even more than our packed services and crowded parking lots.
Let God receive all the glory and honor and praise!
This is just the beginning! We are in the best seats in the house to see Him do "Immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine". Don't miss it. Here is one of our greatest stories of redemption and restoration, and the power of the gospel to change lives. Every life has a story. Our church won't rest until every story has a chance to end with Jesus as Lord. And we're starting with ourselves... Here's my friend Jackie...
I couldn't agree more! He's getting ready to do something huge!!!
Posted by: Rachel Rizzuti | 02/07/2011 at 08:33 AM
Wow! I was brought to tears by Jackie's story. What an amazing savior we serve! I am so proud to be a part of the Biltmore Family. Lord Jesus, use me this year to being glory to your Name.
Posted by: Beth Dix | 02/07/2011 at 09:30 AM
Lori, I am sitting at my computer with tears falling down and cold chills on my arms as I read your blog. You know, we don't all have "big" change stories as some have been seen each Sunday, but this past Sunday, God showed me my "big" area to change. As members of God's family and members of BBC, people are always watching us. I know that we are the only Jesus some will ever see, so we need to make sure to portray Him well. I pray that each day I will take one more step in that direction. I'm so thankful for you and Pastor Bruce. So glad to be a part of that "light shining out to our city".
Posted by: June Stewart | 02/07/2011 at 04:48 PM
I did NOT want to move to Asheville after my first impression of the city. We didn't have much of a choice it was move there or my husband would be potentially jobless. We found BBC from a recommendation from someone in Charlotte who had heard of BBC...we started going once we moved to Asheville and never left. BBC provided a place where we could meet, celebrate, worship, grow, and serve with liked minded Christians in a community where disgust towards Christ followers is apparent. I was so sad to have left the community and love that you all have the online ministry. BBC was our light in a dark world and we will forever be thankful God provided for us such a wonderful haven in BBC. It is amazing to have witnessed the growth and outpouring of community service and love that BBC has had in just the 4 years we were blessed to be there. I know God has big things in store for BBC!!!
Posted by: Christin Lilly | 02/08/2011 at 06:58 AM
What a blessing our church is!!! I am so grateful to be on this journey with you all and I promise to God and to you all to always give it my all for the sake of God's Kingdom!!! I pray for strength for us all to ALWAYS be able to follow through with what God commands of us!!! Lori, thank you for allowing God to do amazing things through you. It is so beautiful to see the Holy Spirit shine through you. THNAK YOU AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN!!!
"Our God is greater, our God is stronger!
God you are higher than any other!!!"
Posted by: Joy | 02/09/2011 at 08:32 AM