Rev. Dr. Bernard M.Taylor
Welcome to the Open Door Baptist Church. We are a christian, bible teaching and believing church, daily empowered by the word of God. As pastor, it is my mission to introduce everyone that I can, to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As a leader, I am committed to service and helping others to find their gifts, so that they too can serve the Lord. One of my most favorite sayings is, membership, with the body of Christ, has it's privileges. However, I will always be honest in letting you know that walking with God is never easy, but it is truly worth it. For it is our belief that Christ died for us, to ultimately receive a wonderful blessing and our belief in Him, guarantees us a place in heaven.
From the Pastor's Desk
July's Message from Rev. Dr. Bernard M. Taylor
Greetings,
There is much being said each day in the media about the upcoming preparations for the celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary. As Americans, celebrating the birth of this nation has long been something many of us have anticipated with excitement.
As a child, I remember neighborhood fireworks lighting up the sky as each family did its part to make the occasion memorable. Later, as an adult, I looked forward to family gatherings and festive celebrations, hoping to create lasting memories with my own family — memories that would remain with them throughout their lives.
In recent years, however, other truths have become more evident to me. Those truths have deeply affected my heart and changed my perception of what this day of celebration and “independence” has meant for so many people. When I see how fragmented and divided our nation has become, it saddens me. I find myself asking, Is the American Dream still alive? If so, what does it look like today?
Last year in this letter, I shared several passages of Scripture and spoke about the importance of keeping hope alive during difficult times. That message is just as relevant today.
As I look at what America represents today, I cannot ignore the deep divisions that continue to exist. Although our nation speaks of equality and opportunity, many still experience the reality of systems that separate people by race, class, and privilege. History reminds us that while many sought freedom for themselves, that same freedom was too often denied to others. Those painful realities continue to influence our present.
These truths can be discouraging, but they should not rob us of our faith. As believers, our confidence has never rested in governments, institutions, or political systems. Our hope has always rested in God.
Therefore, I want to encourage you once again: Do not lose hope. Continue to trust the Lord. Continue to love one another. Continue to stand for justice, righteousness, and truth. We have been promised a better and more glorious future through Jesus Christ—one that no earthly power can take away.
As we celebrate this season, let us remember that our greatest citizenship is in heaven, and our greatest hope is found in Christ alone.
Reprinted from last year:
Romans 8:18 (KJV)
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Romans 8:28 (KJV)
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:31 (KJV)
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”
Romans 8:38–39 (KJV)
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
May the Lord strengthen your faith, encourage your heart, and remind you that our hope is secure in Him.
Blessings,
Pastor Bernard M. Taylor
