It's like coming home!

Yet again, God has truly blessed me by allowing me the opportunity to go to church during an event. And God is at work, even in the heart of Aspen! Visiting the First Baptist Church of Aspen was like coming home.

I have to admit, the name "First Baptist" carries a bit of baggage with me. You see, in North Carolina there are Baptist churches on literally every corner. Unfortunately, it seems that many of them have gotten away from teaching the scriptures in any real way. I guess I'm not the only one, the church itself is prayerfully considering a name change. A change to something a little more, dare I say it, "seeker friendly".

There is nothing wrong, and everything right in attempting to appeal to people, so that they can come hear the Word of God proclaimed. I pray for God's continued guidance and wisdom as the leadership of the First Baptist Church of Aspen decide on a name.

I'm getting way off track! FBC Aspen was like coming home because of the love the true believers there showed towards me. God has gifted this church with a true heart of love. If they continue in His Word, I'm certain that God will use this church to do wonderful things in Aspen. (He already has begun to!)

So! If you happen to find yourself in Aspen, Colorado, make sure you set aside the time to go worship with the church who happens to be on the corner of 7th and Francis street, no matter it's name. I intend to keep track of this church, and to update this article when they announce their new name.

I really need the Lord's help with names! I met the greeter (perhaps the most important position at any church, this is the person who makes the initial impression on the visitor concerning the nature of the church). He is a true man of faith, who showed he loves God more than snowboarding because Sunday was an awesome powder day! It seems to me, that anytime we have something in our lives that we might make an idol of, some thing we really love, God will test it. It is awesome, when we look back and see that God gave us the desire to worship him and be with His people, even on those perfect powder days! (I have failed this one, so many times! Praise God, His grace is renewed every morning... I need it!)

I also met a couple of older members, who put me in mind of the story of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa (the church that spawned the Calvary Chapel movement). Calvary Chapel was a small church with older members and a pastor who was convinced that the teaching of the Word for the "equipping of the saints" was the right way to go. The Lord gave them a heart of love and a desire to reach out to the lost in their community. For them, it was necessary to break with all of their "traditions" and to trust wholly in God. While Aspen is not filled with hippies, it is filled with affluent pagans that are seeking the truth, much like the hippies of the sixties. Filled with grown up hippies and their children.

I was honored to speak briefly with the worship leader, as well. Though his testimony really stood out in the worship service itself. The church sings "contemporary" music and even classic hymns with modern accompaniment. They worship in Spirit and Truth!

Finally I met Assistant Pastor Stan, and Pastor Steve. These two solid men of God have been raised up in Aspen for the kingdom of God in these times. He will be faithful to keep these men strong, as they will begin to face ever increasing resistance from elements in the community; if they remain committed to teaching God's Word. I will not pray that things go quiet and easy for them. No, let them learn to lean on God through the tough times that are promised to those who follow the Lord Jesus. As Pastor Steve taught in his lesson on Sunday, there is no "Easy Button" in this life. But God has given us a Comforter, who will see us through the hard times.

God is doing a great work in Aspen!

Tag(s): Aspen, First Baptist, Easy Button