Seven Fat Years

September, 2007

by: Dave Hintz

95 yes, 1 no, and 2 abstentions: With those numbers, the congregation of Flint Hills Christian Church of Emporia Kansas officially called me to be their Senior Pastor. After seven years at Calvary Bible Church, I have grown to love and appreciate my spiritual family in the media city. In many ways, I believe that I will always consider you to be my home church. After all, it was the elders of the church who took a chance on me and hired me as a college pastor. The auditorium was where I met and married my wife. Additionally, my church family endured my messages — especially the early ones — with patience, allowing me to develop my skills with each successive sermon. It was at this church where men and women rose up on numerous occasions to meet the needs of my family, and help us through troubled times. Calvary Bible Church means so much to Becky and me. The people, pastors, elders, teaching, etc. have left an indelible imprint on our hearts. In some small way, I hope to have returned the favor. Thus, with my final Calvary Review Article, I wanted to leave three closing exhortations for my church family which the Lord has laid on my heart:

Proclaim the Gospel

2 Corinthians 5:10-11 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men”

As a church, we will answer to our great God regarding our stewardship of the Gospel. It has been my hope and prayer that each of you has been encouraged in some measure to take this responsibility seriously and personally share the Gospel with others. So often Christians will invite unbelievers to church and hope the pastor preaches about sin and salvation. While God can certainly use this, remember that it is the pastor’s job to share his faith. It is your job to share your faith. But it is not the pastor’s job to share your faith. You have a divine mandate to take the Gospel to your friends, neighbors, coworkers and anyone else in your path.

Pursue Personal Purity

1 Thessalonians 4:1 “Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more.”

So often Christians — including myself — rest on our spiritual laurels. At Calvary the fact that we are well taught can cause us to confuse biblical knowledge with spiritual sanctification. Yet, the Bible calls us to much more. Jesus promises in Matthew 5:8“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Holiness is more than following a set of rules. It is an invitation to an intimate encounter with our great and glorious God. Through our pursuit of holiness we shed the skins of the old man, unveiling our true nature — new creations in conformity with the image of Christ. Don’t allow the prospect of giving up amusements, friends, free time, etc. keep you from the path of greater blessing.

Pursue the Purity of Others

Hebrews 10:24 “and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.”

Softball games, movie nights, Christmas parties, etc. should never be viewed as fellowship, unless they consist of Christians thoughtfully encouraging and challenging their spiritual brothers and sisters to greater commitment. The church to a certain extent is a social institution, and our church is quite frankly very social. But we should never confuse mere association with Christians with the rich, profound, and enduring fellowship found in Colossians3:16“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Christian, when you spend time with other believers make it your goal to help your brother and sister fall more in love with Jesus.

Well Calvary, it’s been a fun ride. Though I will be 1,500 miles removed, a piece of my heart will always be here. I love you and I will be lifting you up to the Lord, asking that “the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” (Eph. 1:18).