Author Archives: Jonathan Spencer

Proverbs 28:1 says, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.”  Last Sunday we learned the Holy Spirit makes us courageous in our witness of Jesus Christ.  God wants his people to be bold like lions, so I encourage you to exercise courage this week in three ways. Continue reading “Take Courage”

Romans 15:7 says, “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”  One of the greatest ways to measure a church’s health is by how it welcomes new people.  I was reminded of this fact last week when a new member shared his recent experience.  When visiting ABC for theContinue reading “Welcome One Another”

1 Peter 4:10 says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”  The Bible teaches every born-again believer has been given at least one spiritual gift by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of building up Jesus’ church.  Peter says we are called toContinue reading “The Helper helps us serve one another”

Matthew 25:40 says, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”  Jesus challenges his church to see the unseen.  It can be tempting to look past the needs that are around us each day. After all, life is busy, ourContinue reading “To the Least of These”

John 14:16, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.”  This Sunday I will begin a new sermon series focused on the work of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus promised his disciples he would not leave them abandoned, but instead he would send the Spirit ofContinue reading “The Helper”

Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”  God calls His people to gather.  The Christian life is not meantContinue reading “Church is a family, not a product”

The 2024-2025 school year is officially here!  I’m so thankful for the many teachers, coaches, and administrators who will invest into the next generation this academic year.  I hope you will join me in praying for our school leaders and our students who will return to classrooms this week.  I pray that God will growContinue reading “School is Back!”

Our mission is to lead people into a life-changing relationship with the Light of the World, Jesus Christ.  I’m thankful for the many ways ABC has advanced this mission forward this summer.  We have reached the next generation through our Pre-Teen and Student Camps, VBS, and Creative Arts Camp.  We have reached our community throughContinue reading “Mission Focus”

Galatians 5:1 says, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”  Freedom is the most valuable gift we can ever receive.  Jesus Christ has purchased our freedom from sin and death.  Our debt has been paid, God lives in us, and we areContinue reading “Celebration of Freedom”

It’s VBS week and the church is filled with kids!  I thank God for the 500+ children and leaders that came through our doors this week.  Most importantly, I thank God for the 51 children who made first-time decisions to follow Jesus as Lord!  Thank you for being a church that loves kids so well. Continue reading “VBS Report”