Rabun for the Gospel

Hammering Nails

By Michael Rogers, pastor of Wolf Creek Baptist Church

Last October, a longtime friend and I found a house that was very deserving of demolition. This friend, and eventual partner, is also a member of the gospel ministry. After a couple visits, we decided to buy the heap of blocks and turn it into a unique flip. After a lot of planning and some hard work, we had before us a diamond in the rough.

It’s been an exciting process, bringing this old house back to life. At every available opportunity, we hurriedly come together to work on it. Because of our hard work, Spring will bring forth the fruits of our hard labor. Now that we are nearing our completion date, I have found excitement in something far greater than the finishing of our house and that is the strength of our friendship. This has become the most important result of the entire project.

Not only do my partner and I share in the gospel ministry, but so does the neighbor who visits us every evening, himself a local preacher. The three of us go back years and now have been able to further deepen our relationships. The manifestation of the phrase “brother’s keeper” is now apparent.

In the late hours of the night, one can hear the hammers, drills and saws working relentlessly. If you listen closer, you will hear deep conversations about the bible and its theological teachings. We enjoy debating with one another in the areas of eschatology. These debates bring forth the fruit of our many hours of study from the past twenty years. The fact that we all three have different beliefs on eschatology allows for fervent discussion. As we leave our project to return home, we often look forward to coming back together the next day. We’ll once again engage in spirited debate, knowing we’ll grow closer together and in turn, bring great excitement to our souls.

I’m looking forward to the completion of the project, but I’m truly going to miss the conversations we have almost daily. During these conversations, it’s evident that we have different thoughts on many subjects. These differences don’t divide us though. Our relationships grow stronger every day. Even though we differ in theology, we agree on the gospel. We all three believe in the pure gospel of Jesus Christ and we celebrate that. There is never a disagreement in that belief. The celebration of the gospel is the discussion we come back to every time and that is what strengthens our relationship the most.

In Collosians 4:7-18 Paul mentions many of his friends in the ministry. These friends shared in the gospel ministry with Paul and their relationships had many reasons for existence.

Family - Tychicus and Onesimus were considered brothers to Paul. They were sent to inform everyone everything that was happening in the ministry that it might encourage the Churches at the time.

Bear One Another’s Burdens - Aristarchus was considered a fellow prisoner because he helped to aid Paul while he was in prison. Ecclesiastes 4:9 - Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

Prayer Warrior - Epaphras was considered a prayer warrior for his friends in the ministry. Col 4:12 - Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you.

Encouraging - I’ve had only a handful of mentors in my life over the years and one of the most important things they did for me was encourage me. Col 4:17-18 - Tell Archippus: ‘See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.’ I Paul write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Rev. Michael Rogers is the pastor of Wolf Creek Baptist Church. He and his wife Susan have three grown children and three wonderful grandchildren. Michael works at Tallulah Falls School as Director of Plant Services. He enjoys spending time with family and flipping houses. Michael considers it an honor to be part of R4G to help with the furtherance of the Gospel.