WELCOME

As we do our utmost to look into the future, we make assumptions that tomorrow will be the day that we change our ways and do all the things we forgot to do yesterday and today: love thy neighbor, say a prayer, call a friend, hug your child, visit someone in the hospital, write a thank you note, laugh with your family, and above all, do all things pleasing to God in preparation to see Jesus. Our theme this year reminds us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8). Because tomorrow is not promised to anyone, we should work diligently to make that change TODAY, while the thought is fresh in your mind and the love is fresh in your heart.

As Baptist Union Baptist Church prepares to celebrate its 140th anniversary, we must continue to focus on our theme. It states that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday. Yesterday, when our ancestors were looking for a place to worship, with guidance from God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, they settled on this spot, now known as 125 Baptist Union Road. Imagine how pleased they must be that not only is the church they started 140 years ago still uplifting the name of Jesus, but it is doing it more often than in the past and is located on a road bearing the church's own name!

Jesus Christ is the same today. Our 'TODAY' is possible not only because of those who have gone on before us, but also because Jesus realizes that He has soldiers who are still on the battlefield. Their fight is based on choosing a weapon which can never be defeated: God's word. Standing on that word reinforces all of His promises. He said he would never leave you nor forsake you and He said He would not put any more on you than you can bear.

Jesus Christ is the same forever. Fighting the battle today, gives us hope for our 'TOMORROW.' Our tomorrow is filled with love, hope, joy, peace, compassion, forgiveness, and all things good according to Him. If you doubt it, sing the song as trials come your way: “Everything That Happens to Me That is Good, God Did It!”

Yes, Baptist Union, we are truly blessed. The love in all of us is what God expects us to use to conquer evil and wrong in this world, in our community and even in ourselves. As long as we realize that He has not and will not ever change, be confident that the way we lived our life yesterday and today is preparing our 'forever' with Jesus Christ.

Giving Him all the honor and all the praise,
Rev. Dr. Nathaniel T. Perkins