I hope you had a restful thanksgiving and are preparing for all that God is going to do this Christmas season. We are going to have a spectacular December here at ABC, and I hope you plan to be a part of it each week. This Sunday, we are kicking off our new Christmas sermon series, “The First Songs of Christmas.” In this series, we will examine Luke chapters 1-2 to study the first songs of praise that were sung during that first Christmas season. Additionally, ABC Kids will be having a “Polar Express Sunday,” and we’ll have hot chocolate available for all to enjoy this weekend.
This Sunday, Dr. Matt Gillum will be kicking off our series because, as you know, I am currently in the Holy Land. It has been a phenomenal experience so far to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and his disciples. Over the course of this trip, I’ll get to see where the Christmas story began right there in Bethlehem. Additionally, I’ll get to experience some phenomenal Biblical sites including Jericho, the Mount of Olives, the Sea of Galilee, and Jerusalem. We’ll float the Dead Sea, see the Valley of Armageddon, the empty Garden Tomb and so much more.
I’m on this trip for two primary purposes this week. First, I’m taking this trip for my own spiritual development. This is my first trip to Israel, and I know this experience will help me better understand and teach the Scriptures. It’s incredible to see the Bible come alive in person, and I am confident that God will use this entire experience to grow my faith and enhance my ministry to you. But secondly, I am here in Israel to prepare myself to lead a group from ABC in 2023. I’m having a great time partnering with another Pastor and getting to sit under his solid teaching and leadership this week. I’m also enjoying getting to work with Signature Tours, who will be coordinating our own trip next year.
With all of that in mind, I’d like to invite you to join me for a 10-day tour on November 5-14, 2023. This truly will be a trip of a lifetime, and I encourage you to prayerfully consider joining me for this discipleship experience. Information and registration is already online HERE. Consider putting down your $500 deposit this holiday season to secure your spot for 2023. Additionally, this Israel tour may be the perfect Christmas gift for you to consider giving this month. I can’t wait to come back next year and see God’s Word come alive in your eyes as well.
I’m already looking forward to what God has in store for our group next November. I encourage you to continue to pray for me, but also pray whether God may be leading you to join me in the Holy Land next year. I’ll miss you this Sunday, but I know you will be blessed by your time of worship and fellowship together. I look forward to seeing you back in Austin next week.
Onward and upward,
Jonathan Spencer
www.jonathanspencer.org 