19550 Leesville Road, Lynchburg VA

As the sun beamed down on this beautiful day, I rolled down my windows, letting the fresh air fill the car as I set off to explore the 77th church in our city.

My heart was filled with gratitude for another opportunity to connect with our Christian community, another day to witness the work of God not just in the churches I visit, but within myself.

This journey…now about one and a half years in, has been incredibly humbling and beautiful.

I know without a doubt that God is using this experience to heal the most broken parts of me, while also connecting me with the family He wants for me.

With every church I visit, I learn more about God, our city, and myself.

Today, I had the absolute joy of visiting Lynchburg Church of Christ.

From the moment I arrived, I felt a sense of warmth and belonging.

Pastor Ray was the first person to greet me with a smile and a genuine welcome.

It wasn’t long before other members of the congregation came up to me, offering handshakes, hugs, and kind words.

Their joy in having me there to worship with them was contagious, and it set the tone for what would be a spiritually uplifting experience.

One of the first things that caught my attention was the laughter and joy of the children. It was such a blessing to see them so full of life and happiness within the walls of the church. Their energy was infectious and reminded me of the simple, pure joy that comes from being in the presence of God.

I arrived early enough to sit in on the Bible Study session, which featured a thought-provoking video on the history of Christians and the different denominations within the faith.

It was a fascinating discussion that encouraged reflection on the diversity within Christianity, and I appreciated the insight it gave into the various traditions and beliefs that make up the body of Christ.

Worship was led by two beautiful young ladies alongside Pastor Ray, and together we sang “Ancient Words,” “Wonderful Words of Life,” and “Glorious Day.”

The simplicity and sincerity of the worship songs touched my heart, creating a space for quiet reflection and reverence. Communion followed, and it was a deeply reflective experience… quiet, humble, and sacred.

During the service, they also shared announcements and prayer requests.

One event that caught my attention was the upcoming Trunk Or Treat on October 27th from 3-5 p.m. It sounded like a wonderful opportunity for both children and adults to come together and celebrate in a fun, faith-filled environment.

It’s clear that this church is not only focused on worship but also on building community and creating spaces where people can connect and grow together.

Pastor Ray’s sermon was both powerful and thought-provoking, centered on the theme of “Why We Put So Much Emphasis on the Bible.”

He began by encouraging us to consider three key questions: Why do we believe the Bible is the Word of God? Can I understand the Bible? What does the Bible do for us?

As he unpacked each of these questions, I found myself reflecting deeply.

Am I treasuring the Word of God as much as I should be? Am I allowing it to guide my life as fully as I could?

He reminded us of the enduring power of the Bible with a beautiful reference to Isaiah 40:8: “The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the Word of God stays forever.”

It was another reminder that while the world around us is changing, God’s Word remains constant and eternal.

Pastor Ray encouraged us to look deeper into Christian apologetics and evidences, reinforcing the importance of understanding and defending our faith.

The message spoke to me on such a deep level.

I left with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to immerse myself more fully in Scripture, to cherish and treasure the Word of God with a new fervor.

The sermon challenged me to examine how the Bible shapes my life and encouraged me to lean into the power of God’s Word.

I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Lynchburg Church of Christ to anyone seeking a place where the Word of God is cherished and where the love of Christ is felt in every interaction.

The people there exude kindness, and the worship is genuine and heartfelt.

As I continue this spiritual journey, I’m reminded with each church visit how much healing God is doing in my life. He is revealing so much to me through His people and His Word. I can’t wait to see where the Holy Spirit leads me next.