But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (1 Timothy 1:5)
Since our first Sunday morning service almost seven years ago, everything concerning the ministry of Maranatha Bible Church has centered around the preaching and teaching of God's living and eternal word. Our primary purpose and the reason we exist as a local church is to worship God and to edify and equip His church through the proclamation of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and the systematic, expository teaching of His Word.
Our goal has not been growth in numbers or to try to bring in, entertain, and comfort unbelievers or who some call "seekers". Actually, there are no seekers; As it is written, there is none righteous, not even one. There is none who understands. There is none who seeks for God. (Romans 3:10-11)
We do, of course, care about the salvation of unbelievers and so does God; This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
But as Pastor John MacArthur has said; "This is not a matter of intolerance or insensitivity of others, the church and God's word is for believers."
God alone is building His church, both numerically and spiritually; ... I will build My church; and the gates of hell will not overpower it. (Matthew 16:18)
So what is the goal of our instruction? The Love of God and others from a pure, unadulterated heart; A good conscience that encourages us to always trust and obey the word of God; And a sincere, non-hypocritical faith in God and His word; So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)
I pray that while we wait for the Lord Jesus Christ to return for His church, Maranatha Bible Church will continue to stay faithful, in His strength, to fulfill our God given purpose and goal. To God be the Glory! Maranatha!