Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24). Jesus explained that farmers have to make a decision about their seed. They can hold on to their seed and preserve it, but their seed will not bear any fruit. But if they choose to plant their seed into the ground, in due time that released seed will bring a harvest of fruit.
God has given our church financial seeds to steward. Light the Way has reminded us of the impact we can make through planting those seeds into Gospel fields. As part of the LTW initiative, ABC set a goal to “expand our mission.” One way we are doing this is through partnership with NAMB’s church planting movement that is happening across southern California. Through your generosity, we are funding a church residency program that provides pastoral training and seminary education for aspiring church planters. Additionally, we have selected one church planter, Pastor Derek Berry, to continue to support through prayer, giving, and sending.
Pastor Berry sent me an update last week about his new church (see his letter enclosed in this week’s addition of the Bridge). I was so thrilled to see Derek report that his new church just baptized four brand new believers of Jesus Christ! That is a picture of the fruit of the harvest that we seek. Thank you for casting financial seed for the sake of the Gospel. We are just a little over $300k away from being fully funded to complete all of our LTW goals. I encourage you to continue in your faithfulness through our general fund, “The Great Commission Fund,” but also consider giving above and beyond to help us Light the Way forward together. When you give to the church, you are also giving through the church.
Who can you invite to join us for worship this week? You can be a part of kingdom work right here and right now at ABC simply by inviting your neighbors, classmates, colleagues, and friends. Remember, we are called to cast the seed, but it is God who makes it grow (1 Cor 3:6-7). I’ll see you Sunday at 8:45am or 11:15am.
Onward and Upward,
Dr. Jonathan Spencer
www.jonathanspencer.org 