The Open Door COGIC is celebrating its 29 th church anniversary. As I reflect on my membership with the church, I realize I have been a member of Open Door COGIC since 2005. I cannot believe I have been a member for 16 years now. The saying, “Time flies by when you’re having fun!” holds true. As I celebrate our church’s anniversary, I think on the very reason why I joined Open Door COGIC in the first place, LOVE. The church’s love for God and His word caught my attention immediately. Mark 12:30 says, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” It is a true blessing to fellowship with other believers who have a sincere love for God and seek to please Him.
In addition to fellowshipping with others that truly love God, we receive the unadulterated word of God from leaders who love us enough to tell us the truth. In pursuit of a deeper relationship with Christ, I was looking for a church where I would receive good teaching on ALL of God’s word, not just some of it. The word of God that comes forth at Open Door is a result of leaders that live and teach holiness, sound doctrine, and maturity in our walk with Christ. It is a blessing to see our leaders living a life before us that they teach us about. 2 Corinthians 7:1 reads, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” Our Pastor frequently reminds us that we are to strive for perfection in Christ, which is maturity in Christ. When we are striving to be more mature in Christ, we learn to operate in the world as the Word of God instructs us to and not be led by our emotions and flesh. I thank God for receiving the word of God at Open Door COGIC that keeps me from falling instead of giving me excuses to be mediocre in my walk with Christ.
Lastly, the warm hugs, words of encouragement, and friendship has been added blessings while being a member of the Open Door family. 1 John 4:7 states, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” As believers it is so important to show love toward one another because you never know what someone may be going through. A simple hug and “I love you.” can be the very acts of kindness that encourages someone that may be losing hope. Showing love enables you to draw others, especially non- believers, to Christ. As Open Door continues to grow, let us keep on loving because that is how we continue to grow!
Happy Anniversary,
Sis. Tasha Evans