“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
One year ago, I stood before you to lead us in our first ever “Vision Sunday.” We celebrated what God has done through our church family as He led us in that first campaign to go “up the mountain” and build this amazing church home. In fact, last week marked the 10-year anniversary of God opening our church doors at this beautiful facility. The establishment of our church truly is a testimony of God’s grace. But we also know that God did not send us up this mountain to get complacent, but rather to get to work. I believe God has uniquely blessed us to be a blessing to others in Austin and all around the world. We’ve gone up this mountain, but what are we to do now? Jesus answered that question for us in Matthew 5. He told us that we are called to shine as a “city on a hill” (Matthew 5:14).
This Sunday, we’re going to refocus our attention on that same Vision Sunday message in Matthew 5:14-16. I will preach the text once again, exactly one year later. Why would I do that? Solomon tells us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18 KJV). Vision is not a one-time message. Vision is the high calling of where we are going and what we must become. Vision must stay in front of us, and we must always keep our eyes focused on who Jesus is calling us to be. This is in part why we display that message, “let there be light,” on our website, signage, and various print pieces. Our prayer is that there would indeed be more light shining in Austin and around the world. The truth is the world is a dark place, but our prayer is that Jesus will use ABC to shine brightly for Him.
Last year we focused on four ways Jesus is calling us to shine: Light up your life, your home, your neighborhood, and the world. This Sunday we’re going to celebrate some ways that God has shined through us in those four strategic areas this past year. But we’re also going to look forward to some exciting ways that He could shine through our church family for the years to come. I encourage you to make it a priority to join us this Sunday. I believe you will leave church encouraged and filled with excitement, but also filled up with delicious food!
In conjunction with Vision Sunday, we’re offering our first ever BFGFBG during our regularly scheduled Bible Fellowship Group hour. Church is a family, so we’re going to have a big family breakfast together this weekend. All adult BFG groups will come together in Heritage Hall and Great Hall for a special time of fellowship and food. Each BFG class will sponsor a table filled with delicious breakfast foods made by their very own volunteers. It will be a big church-wide breakfast buffet, and I encourage you to drop by the tables to sample some food but also to meet some people you do not know. All 20 of our adult BFGs will be on display, and you will have an opportunity to vote for your favorite breakfast table. The winner of our friendly competition will be announced Sept 25th.
The BFGBFG will also be the perfect opportunity for people who are not plugged into a class. A good number in our congregation have not found a class home, and this will be the perfect opportunity for them to meet leaders and see all the wonderful groups our church has to offer. I also want to note that our ABC Kids and ABC Student ministries will still have their regularly scheduled BFG classes in their designated spaces. However, they will also have some special breakfast foods for the kiddos, so make sure your entire family comes hungry this Sunday.
It’s going to be a great weekend at ABC. I hope you plan to be there, and I encourage you to bring a friend to hear the vision of our church. Never forget the power of the personal invitation as it is still the #1 reason why people walk through a church’s doors. Keep shining this week and I look forward to seeing you Sunday.
Onward and upward,
Jonathan Spencer
www.jonathanspencer.org 