POSTSCRIPT If it be of God... In the book of Acts we find a scene where the apostles have been arrested and face the prospect of death at the hands of the Jewish council. We pick up the story when one of their wisest leaders offers some counsel (Acts 5:35-39): "But a Pharisee in the council named Gameliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a long time. Then he said to them, "Fellow Isrealites, consider carefully what you propose to do to these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed or disappeared. After him Judas the Galilean rose up at the time of the census and got people to follow him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and leave them alone; because of this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them - in that case you may even be found fighting against God!" The council was convinced be Gamaliel and they let the apostles go with a stern warning to desist in their preaching. Well, we know the rest of the story. Ever since the apostles were set free by that council, the cause of Christ has never looked back. The apostles continued in their cause and the Christian church has transformed the entire world. What is true on a world-wide scale is also true here on Prince Edward Island . We are an intregal part of that world-changing movement that Jesus began. Our church here is tangible proof that what God wants, God gets. It started small, yes, but from the moment in 1836, when a few people led by Thomas DesBrisay met with George MacDonald with this church as their dream, it was meant by God. there was no stopping the Charlottetown Baptist Church. But, like every other church that ever existed, this church has also had some dark days. It has had its share of tough times - times when the unity, ministry, and perhaps even the future of the church hung in the balance. When we get discouraged, or wonder about First Baptist's future, we've got to remember whose church it is. It's not our church, it is the church of Jesus Christ. He died for it, He built it, He's still its Lord. Christianity truly is of God. Many institutions have come and gone. Many will come and go, but the Christian faith will never disappear. To attempt to resist it is to fight against God, Gamaliel was right. If we are smart, we won't scoff at the church as it makes its way through each generation. It's turning out that the Lord and His people are going to be the salvation of the world. As long as First Baptist is faithful to its Lord, He will be faithful to it. and He will continue to use it to glorify His name here in Charlottetown and around the globe. I consider it a deep privilege and responsibility to be asked to lead the congregation as it remains faithful to its calling. It is my prayer that we will always remember who and why we serve. We can take heart in knowing that God in His mercy and grace has chosen us to carry on the legacy of faith we've inherited. Remember the wise words of Gamaliel: "...if this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them - in that case you may even be found fighting against God!" Dr. Kevin Quast , Senior Pastor First Baptist Church, Charlottetown 173