We live in a culture that believes there are no absolutes. Our postmodern world insists that there is no such thing as absolute truth. It embraces the idea that each individual can just decide for himself what is true or false, right or wrong. As a result of this mindset, the world is not interested in what we have to say as Christians. The world could not care less about our words. At best, it is indifferent to our talk. It waits to see … “real.” It waits to see the love of God, the changed lives, the selfless giving we talk about! The world looks for credibility. It keeps asking, “Where is the proof that being a Christian makes any difference?” The chasm between those in the family of God and those who remain outside only grows wider.
All of which brings to mind something Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount: “… let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) What was Jesus telling us? I believe He was giving us His design for building bridges … to cross over that chasm. It is significant that He didn’t say, “Let them hear your good talk ….” Rather, He said, “Let them see your good deeds...!” The world has to see by our actions that being followers of Jesus really does make a difference.
God has no intention of His church being secluded, huddled together on an island of isolation. He intends for us to build bridges that connect with the community. Such bridges are built through actions that make a difference in the lives of others. When that happens, the world sees “real” and is compelled to give praise to God!
Here at Brookside, we are committed to building such bridges. Whether it’s mentoring children in our neighborhood public schools, teaming up for some Helping Hands project, calling men to a nobler masculinity through Men’s Fraternity, or engaging in some other cause that benefits the community, the objective is the same: we are building bridges to cross over the chasm. We are giving the world tangible evidence of God’s love.
We intend to build bridges of irresistible influence! By investing time, resources and abilities in making a difference in the lives of others, we intend to let our light shine so that an unbelieving world can see “real” … and be drawn across those bridges into a personal relationship with God.
If you are looking for a church in the bridge-building business, we invite you to be part of what God is doing through Brookside.
