Dear Faith Family,
I think it is clear that fall has arrived (my favorite time of year)! As I think back to all the ways that God has manifested Himself to us in the last several months, I can’t help but be amazed. It was a little over a year ago that we launched Together In Faith as our emphasis to guide us through our building remodel and hopefully beyond. As I look back over the last 12-18 months, God has truly been faithful and I believe we have too as the body of Christ.
As we approach the end of another calendar year and move in to the holiday season, I want to remind us of some key areas in which to stay faithful—not for our glory but in order that God would be glorified and Christ would be exalted.
Be faithful in prayer. There is nothing more significant than to keep our church, our leadership, and the needs of the body lifted up in prayer. Please continue to pray for one another and to pray for God’s continued protection and provision for our church. I also ask that you join me in praying for a revival of our hearts and a spiritual awakening among those who do not know Christ.
Be faithful in attendance. Satan continues to attempt to distract us with busyness and often it seems he is winning. I encourage all of us to not let our coming together to worship our Savior fall to the back burner. God wants our best, not our leftovers. Prioritize weekly worship and Bible study for your family and let everything else fall in place. You will be blessed!
Be faithful in inviting. I read a statistic this week that 83% of guests at churches come because someone invited them. Past surveys have indicated that the majority of non-church attenders would come to a church if someone they knew invited them, especially during the holiday season. The burden is on us to invite the lost and disconnected to see Jesus. We are never more like Him than when we are reaching out to those who do not know Him.
Be faithful in giving. We continue to be blessed by the faithful giving of so many in our church. During the last 18 months, we have exceeded our budget needs and have given nearly $250,000 towards our building remodeling. Remember that every dollar given reduces the borrow amount when we close the loan after construction is completed (end of summer 2019). This is a good time to re-evaluate your TIF commitment; maybe you were not able to make a commitment a year ago but now can. It is also the time of year to consider a special year-end gift. I am always reminded of the truth that we cannot out give God. Enclosed is a TIF Commitment Card; this is a reminder for you to pray and give as we move through this process.
Be faithful in loving. Finally, keep on loving each other. Our greatest currency that we have is our relationships with one another and for the communities in which we live and work. Faith Baptist Church is known as a friendly and loving place. Keep up the best work! God’s blessings will follow the church that loves the way He loves.
It is a privilege to serve as your pastor. Let us remain faithful because He is faithful to us!
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV)
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Pastor Matt
November 2018
I think it is clear that fall has arrived (my favorite time of year)! As I think back to all the ways that God has manifested Himself to us in the last several months, I can’t help but be amazed. It was a little over a year ago that we launched Together In Faith as our emphasis to guide us through our building remodel and hopefully beyond. As I look back over the last 12-18 months, God has truly been faithful and I believe we have too as the body of Christ.
As we approach the end of another calendar year and move in to the holiday season, I want to remind us of some key areas in which to stay faithful—not for our glory but in order that God would be glorified and Christ would be exalted.
Be faithful in prayer. There is nothing more significant than to keep our church, our leadership, and the needs of the body lifted up in prayer. Please continue to pray for one another and to pray for God’s continued protection and provision for our church. I also ask that you join me in praying for a revival of our hearts and a spiritual awakening among those who do not know Christ.
Be faithful in attendance. Satan continues to attempt to distract us with busyness and often it seems he is winning. I encourage all of us to not let our coming together to worship our Savior fall to the back burner. God wants our best, not our leftovers. Prioritize weekly worship and Bible study for your family and let everything else fall in place. You will be blessed!
Be faithful in inviting. I read a statistic this week that 83% of guests at churches come because someone invited them. Past surveys have indicated that the majority of non-church attenders would come to a church if someone they knew invited them, especially during the holiday season. The burden is on us to invite the lost and disconnected to see Jesus. We are never more like Him than when we are reaching out to those who do not know Him.
Be faithful in giving. We continue to be blessed by the faithful giving of so many in our church. During the last 18 months, we have exceeded our budget needs and have given nearly $250,000 towards our building remodeling. Remember that every dollar given reduces the borrow amount when we close the loan after construction is completed (end of summer 2019). This is a good time to re-evaluate your TIF commitment; maybe you were not able to make a commitment a year ago but now can. It is also the time of year to consider a special year-end gift. I am always reminded of the truth that we cannot out give God. Enclosed is a TIF Commitment Card; this is a reminder for you to pray and give as we move through this process.
Be faithful in loving. Finally, keep on loving each other. Our greatest currency that we have is our relationships with one another and for the communities in which we live and work. Faith Baptist Church is known as a friendly and loving place. Keep up the best work! God’s blessings will follow the church that loves the way He loves.
It is a privilege to serve as your pastor. Let us remain faithful because He is faithful to us!
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV)
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Pastor Matt
November 2018