Building Project

It seems incredible that it was in June of 2004 that we officially embarked on the quest which we named “A Time To Build.” The idea for the title came from Ecclesiastes 3 which says that there is a time for everything, including “A time to tear down and a time to build up,” which pretty much sums up our situation when you think about it. It has been understood from the beginning that the term “building project” is to be applied in its spiritual meaning. For example, Paul wrote of the Colossians being firmly rooted and now being built up in Him (Christ) and established in their faith. The object of “A Time to Build” is to edify, or build up, the believers individually and corporately who call themselves Calvary Bible Church. The facility we are building is a tool toward that end.

Every church building project has its share of controversy. There are romantics who ask why all the money raised can’t just be given to the poor. Romantics are fascinated by the passages which speak of the faithful of old who lived in caves and holes in the ground. Apparently there were Awana Circles in there. There are pragmatists who wonder what is wrong with the present facility and why we can’t just spruce that up a bit and call it good. But in their heart of hearts even the sprucer-uppers understand that their cars and clothing eventually wear out and need replacing. Besides, I have not heard this suggested by anyone who actually uses those buildings. Then there are the frugalists who may grant that the old buildings are in need of replacement, but why does it have to cost so much?

The answer to all these questions, of course, is that Calvary needs a new building because things don’t last but their effects do. Everything we make is eventually exhausted and wears out. In the Millennial Kingdom Isaiah says (for God) that “My people will wear out the work of their hands.” Psalm 102 says that even the heavens and earth “will wear out like a garment.” The only example of this law being superseded is when Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years and their clothes did not wear out. (Deut 8) But this was an example of divine intervention which clearly has not happened in our case. The Children’s Building and the MSA are worn down to a nub, like a pencil that you have to hold by the eraser when you sharpen it that last time. I doubt that Jack MacArthur and his flock gave much thought back in 1959 to the day that the present children’s building would need to be replaced. But here we are. And should the Lord tarry, this new building will someday need to be replaced as well. (This is another reason to pray that the Lord will return soon.)

Things don’t last but the effect of things continues. One purpose of the church is to affect peoples’ lives through evangelism and edification. For example, as CBC moves forward it will be led and served by people who were evangelized, taught and discipled in those old buildings we are about to replace. The worn-out building will be gone but its benefit will continue in the lives of those evangelized and taught in it.

Things don’t last but their effects do. Indeed, the new building has already affected our congregation though at this writing not one shovelful of dirt has been moved nor one nail driven. Our people have heard the message of the blessing of giving and have responded in joy and generosity. Giving is substantially increased in all areas, not just the building fund. This shows that we are learning the valuable lessons of kingdom giving, the effects of which are for eternity. Because of the inconvenience caused by the loss of the MSA our people are learning patience and the growth which comes from enduring even these minor trials. By the way, this growth curve will steepen as the impact of actual construction multiplies. Wait until you are about to pull into your normal parking place close to the church and there is a bulldozer or a porta-potty there!

Things don’t last but their effects do. And the upheaval caused by this great undertaking is allowing the leadership to rethink many of the plans and processes which have been long entrenched and reshape them for the future.

Oh, there is one thing we can all make which will not wear out and it involves giving. Our Lord said “Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in Heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys” (Lk 12) These are exciting days in the life of Calvary Bible Church and we are all blessed to be allowed to participate in the blessing. May we all continue to give and serve the One who has done so much for us!