Pastor's Blog

America is fragmented. There is anger in the streets and there is fear, accusations, hatred and mistrust and pain. As Christians, we believe the gospel changes everything. We believe that Jesus truly saves and changes us and our life trajectory. Instead of retreating from the cultural chaos, we must lovingly engage with the gospel of Christ. Instead of clinging to secular (godless) ideologies and ways of addressing our culture, we must speak the Word of God lovingly and boldly and we must be willing to act. We cannot and must not abandon our post to the secularists. We have the Better Story to tell, the True Story,and we have the Cure for the sin virus that has spread across the soul of our nation-the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Since we first spoke of relaunch, our prayer has been to do what the Lord wants us to do, to not look at things simply as 'reopening,' rather to see relaunch for the holy time it is. Here are more details.

Re-launch is not the same as 'reopen.' Reopening is synonymous with 'opening back up to resume 'business as usual.' Relaunch is a rare opportunity for God's people to recommit ourselves to doing all things for His glory and the blessing of many. For that to happen, we must walk in biblical truth, in love, pursue unity, be patient and wise, and we must do so as an interconnected body, each member honoring and serving the other.

Churches look forward to re-launching. A re-launch is not the same as re-opening. Re-opening implies resuming business as usual after a period of shut down. Re-launch indicates a change in focus and purpose. This has been a time of testing. The real test, however, will be when Christians across America regather. Will we remember lessons learned, or, will we return to old ways?

Texas is slowly re-opening businesses and allowing public places (including churches) to regather with certain guidelines suggested. The Stonebridge Baptist Church family looks forward to regathering, but we must be wise, loving and prayerful in our response. We have a responsibility to our church family as well as our neighbors, to act in love.