Today I will assemble with the spiritual family on Baxter’s campus. Perhaps as many as 1000 Christians will gather to worship, representing different countries of Latin America and various states of the United States, and representing many different congregations. Gathering together in the amphitheater, now covered with a permanent roof, we will sing and pray, in the Supper we will remember Christ’s sacrifice and promise to return, and we will share Scripture. The first Culto Unido in the covered amphitheater will be a memorable occasion.
When Jacob pillowed his head and saw clearly that God was present in the place where he was, he called it Bethel, proclaiming it the house of God and gate of heaven (Genesis 28). God does not dwell in temples made with hands, and he does not dwell in a special way in the amphitheater or any other place designated for worship. But is it not true that the presence of God in our communion and worship ushers us to the very gate of heaven?
May you today in worship know the presence of God, and may you have time to contemplate that this awe-ful encounter with the Almighty does indeed bring us to the very portal of heaven!