Location, location, location…

Even in the small-sized community of Gladewater, LHF as an urban located ("downtown") church, what does this communicate theologically to our community?

Many of you, I know are scratching your heads and wondering what Brother Ben is talking about in his rambling.....but seriously, what does our location communicate to our surroundings? With respect to many within the community, we (they) feel safety in the neutral-setting and relevance. Intentional or unintentional, LHF is communicating to the public eye that God is indeed imminent, near, accessible, personal, and on our level. As a long-time fixture in Gladewater, I still marvel in the fact as I open the double-doors to the side of the once Goodyear Tire Store or hardware store or video store or physical fitness center or LHF that God has provided the once oily, retail-driven, cinematic, sweaty space as holy. I have even noticed that with respect, some enter this space by the removal of their shoes and the uncovering of their heads.

How is this the modern location of the burning bush? Far-fetched as it may seem, there is a holy presence of God that dwells among those that enter the space. Is it the building? NO Is it the people? YES Does God just reside in bell-towered steepled A-frame buildings? Or does God reside in you and me within our hearts and souls? The importance is to remember that the Church is the people aspect of God and that "doing church" can be done outside the very confines of this holy place we call LHF or your street, or Bodacious BBQ, the gas station, or even Dollar General. God can be found and sited even in these remote areas, just like our own building. Each of us possess God and have the power to change hearts anywhere and anytime. Are you with me?

What are you doing as a people to emphasize the incarnational elements of Jesus? Let's make it simple: How do others witness Jesus as you go about your daily living? Let's chat! Tell me your story!

See you on the journey,
Ben Bright