Dear Saints at Northwood Berkeley,

In the last couple of weeks, I have been listening to The Revitalize and Replant Podcast with Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock. The podcast is sponsored by the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Mark Hallock from Denver is the pastor who helped us think through the family of church concept that we are now apart of. Mark and Mark often remind listeners that God is not honored by a dying church and church replanting is very important. In listening to the podcast, I have come to learn that the turn around at Gethsemane/Northwood Baptist Berkeley has taken place very quickly compared to most church replants. We should be very thankful for God’s grace in what has transpired at NBC Berkeley.

Mark and Mark also point to the fact that Satan hates what is going on when churches revitalize. We are reminded in 1 John that greater is He who is in us than He who is in the world. While we know the ultimate victory belongs to our great God, Satan is nonetheless a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. When lions circle to devour prey, they don’t really care which animal they ultimately devour they are just looking for a weak link. As we continue to grow numerically and spiritually let’s be aware to submit ourselves to God and resist the devil and not allow him to have a foothold in our church and lives. As we grow and continue to change, there will be growing pains. Conflict and disagreements are possible but remember the people in our church are not the enemy nor will they ever be. Ephesians 6:10-20 reminds us that our battle will never be against other people. Our battle is spiritual in nature. Listen to the words the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Let’s put on the armor of God, pray for ourselves and our church, and let’s continue to praise God for the amazing work that He is doing in our midst!

This Sunday, Josh Hayes will help lead us in worship. Make sure you welcome him. This Sunday we will also celebrate the Lord’s Supper and recognize our high school graduates. Sunday night we will have both the Crave Student Ministry and discipleship. Speaking of Crave, we had 18 at youth group last week! As we observe Memorial Day this week, let’s never forget those that gave up their lives so we can have faith and economic freedoms.