AVIZANDUM: 20th Anniversary

Avizandam In Scots law, this term describes the careful consideration given by the judge before an important decision. Join me each week as we explore various topics from a spiritual perspective and take matters. Avise endum In the grace of God and by his strength, Gutney and I recently celebrated our 20th year of ministry at Calvary Church in Charlotte. We give all of the glory to God for His kindness and goodness. Being the senior pastor of a large church like Calvary is no easy task.

I feel the weight of responsibility as I stand on the pulpit and asked people to open their Bibles. My calling, my passion, is to glorify God through the exposition of His Word.

So for me there is no higher privilege than preaching the word in season. And out of season. When I came to Calvary twenty years ago, I declared I was a preacher of grace. and the shepherd of souls. These are lofty declarations, and every day I am reminded of my own inadequacy.

who is able for such a task? I echo the words of the Apostle Paul. In 2 Corinthians 3. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us. but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of the new covenant.

I have also sought to keep before me the Apostles' words In 2 Corinthians 4. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, But Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. Goodney has been an outstanding helper to me with her constant prayers, encouragement, and support. She has been at my side as I teach in various classes, including a membership class. She's joined me in visiting people in her homes and in hospitals.

She's cared for widows and single women in a way I could never do. She's run our household, and spared me from shopping and cooking. God, in His infinite wisdom, has given me a wife. Suitable for me. Our three grandchildren were born in a hospital just three or four miles from us.

But that same hospital was where our only son Christopher died from COVID almost five years ago.

So we have tasted the joys of life, and the tears of life during her time at Calvary. We accept all of these experiences from the good hand of God. They have shaped. And moulded us to be more like Our Lord Jesus. Of course, I've been privileged to serve.

with godly pastors and elders and deacons and others as we shoulder to shoulder, Seek to shepherd the flock of God at Calvary. I believe we've kept true to Calvary's mission. being and making authentic followers of Jesus Christ.

So we have not bought into the seeker-friendly approach. or turn the church into an entertainment centre. Rather, we've sought to obey our Saviour's command to go, And make disciples of the Of all the nations. We are full of thankfulness to our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. For using us.

these past twenty years. And I trust and pray that Calvary will always be like the church at Thessalonica. of which it is said, The word of the Lord has sounded forth from us. as we proclaim and display our glorious Saviour. To him, Be all the glory.

Avazando. Yeah. You're listening to the weekly Avizandam podcast from The Verdict featuring Pastor John Monroe. John is Senior Pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Listen to John's daily program, The Verdict, on broadcast radio or major podcast platforms.

For more information about the Verdict Ministry, visit us online at calvarychurch.com/slash the verdict.