About as quietly and inauspiciously as dreams can become reality, today we finally closed on the old Pilot Church property at 1012 N. Blount St in the Mordecai Neighborhood in Downtown Raleigh! Today marks a significant culmination of many prayers, dreams, and plans--most of those coming long before 2020. But, how good is God that he would and could bring all this into reality in a year like this--and almost to the day of Emmaus’ 7th birthday?!?
Paul’s words to the church at Ephesus ring succinctly true of us today: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” He has done great things that have outdistanced some of our most outlandish prayers and thoughts!
It is in this place of basking in the Father’s goodness in the present and faithfulness to our past that we now peer into the future with the expected grace that will be our joy and Raleigh’s good and God’s glory!
Now, we could be tempted on this day to say, “It’s only a building. The church is not confined to brick and mortar. We are the church!” and we would be right. However, I was reminded recently of the incredible opportunity we now have to use and see our building as a partner in the gospel. We are moving into a neighborhood with history and a story--and we are joining God & others in bringing redemption and reconciliation in our city--to people and to the creation that is groaning in downtown Raleigh! (Rom. 8:20-23) The actual building and architecture can and should participate in the praise!
Micah and Kellie MacDonald in front of the new Emmaus building
What an incredible opportunity we have to build a “house”, plant gardens, and marry, from which we can seek the welfare of the city where we have been planted (Jeremiah 29). It is my prayer that not only will each one of you be a fruit bearer, but that our actual property and building be a place where the Spirit of the living God will dwell and exalt a risen Savior where the thirsty and hungry of Raleigh might find satisfaction! Isaiah 55 coming into full color!
So, here we go! Let’s celebrate God’s goodness, “go out in joy and be led forth in peace.” It has already begun! Let’s play the long game and live expectantly for generations in Raleigh!
Jesus, take Your place in 2020!
Micah