“Through the Fires, God is Faithful”

Right behind the pulpit in the sanctuary of the Brentwood Presbyterian Church in New York, are a set of charred praying hands. They are the only things remaining things from a devastating fire in the church building from over 25 years ago. And yet, that is a fitting symbol for a church that has also gone through the fire and survived to bear witness to the power of God. 

This small church on Long Island has survived not only the trial of fire, but also the trial of a collapsing roof, decreasing membership, and budget woes. Four times in its 100 plus year history, the church was on the verge of closing its doors, but through faith, prayer, and a willingness to roll up their sleeves, the members of Brentwood have made one comeback after another. 

As the community that surrounds it has become multi-cultural, Brentwood is celebrating its wonderful diversity, and faithfully living out its call to the wonderful future that God is guiding them toward. For Brentwood, it is an exciting time of discovery and redevelopment. For example it has spearheaded a mission partnership in El Salvador, and its Sunday School has grown from a low of 7 children to now over 50. 

That’s what God means when He says, “The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house, and in this place I will grant peace.” It was true 2,500 years ago during the time of the prophet, Haggai, and it is just as true for you and me today. 

This Sunday, August 14, I will continue my sermon series titled, “Majoring in the Minors,” on the 12 minor prophets of the Old Testament. This week, we will be looking at the prophet Haggai. So, please join us on Sunday out on the lawn of the Family Life Center (FLC) at 8:00 am (weather permitting, otherwise inside the sanctuary) or at 10:30 am. For the 10:30 service, we will also be broadcasting on Zoom, Facebook Live, and YouTube.

Blessings,

Pastor John