Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of a true servant’s heart.  The Son of God stepped off a throne, put on flesh, and served us through His life, death, and resurrection.  The Easter season reminds us of what God has done for man through Jesus Christ, but it also inspires us to follow in His footsteps.

This Saturday our church will be deployed for our annual “ABC Serves” event.  Our church family certainly serves in many ways all year long, but every Spring we promote a focused church-wide day of service.  BFGs will be deployed to sites across Austin to be the hands and feet of Christ.  We will be partnering with numerous ministry organizations to meet practical needs and share the love of Jesus.  I hope you are making plans to serve your neighbor this weekend.

Another way you can serve your neighbors is by being intentional with them during this Easter season.  Easter provides the best opportunity all year to invite someone to church.  Lifeway research has found 82% of people would come to church if a friend simply invited them.  This is especially true during the Easter season.  Unfortunately, the same researchers also found only 2% of Christians regularly invite their friends to church.

Let’s be intentional this Easter season!  Make a list of people by name to invite to one of our three identical services (8am, 9:30am, 11am).  Pray for them daily and begin inviting them today.  I am so excited to see what God is going to do this Easter through our church as we invite and invest in the lives of those who are around us.

As a word of reminder, I’ll be offering my doctoral dissertation class on April 9^th and 16^th at 6:30pm in the Great Hall, immediately following midweek dinner.  This will be a two-part class focused on my topic of research: “Meeting the soul-care needs of a growing church staff.”  If you are unable to join, we will record the class via zoom and would be happy to pass on the link afterwards.  Thank you again for your support in my seminary journey, and I’m looking forward to graduation on May 2^nd.

Let’s apply last Sunday’s sermon this week: Be prayerful and Biblical in your daily decision-making.  I hope you do decide to join me in worship this Sunday as we look to the covenant God established with David in 2 Samuel 7.  Invite a friend and I’ll see you at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Last October we launched a two-year generosity initiative called, Light the Way.  As you may remember, our goal was to raise $5 million above our regular tithes and offerings to help us eliminate our debt, expand our mission, and extend the message of Jesus Christ (learn more HERE). God is doing an amazing work at ABC, and I believe even greater things are to come as we reach these three critical objectives together.  I’d like to give you a brief update on how we are doing in these three areas.

First, we are inching closer to fully eliminating our debt.  I am thrilled to report the debt has been reduced to $1.7 million! This is a remarkable number considering the debt was at $10 million just a little over four years ago.  It is incredible to think we could be debt free as a church in the next 12-18 months through Light the Way.  I encourage you to begin praying with me now about the future missions and ministries that will be launched because of this amazing feat.

Second, we are expanding our mission locally, nationally, and globally through LTW.  Here in Austin, we are now feeding over 250 children every weekend through the Baptist Community Center.  We have also updated their outdoor recreation areas in preparation for children and youth outreaches this summer.  In Los Angeles, we are funding a residency program for six aspiring church planters.  In the coming months, we will choose one planter to come alongside in the launch of his church.  In Myanmar, we are in process of purchasing land that will be used to build a Healing and Trauma Center that will minister in the name of Jesus to hundreds of people in crisis.

Third, we have now finalized the design work with Paragon 360, our media ministry partner.  They are going to help us extend the message of Jesus by overhauling our video, lighting, and broadcast technologies over these two years.  We are still waiting for a few more LTW funds to come in before we can launch phase one of this project, which focuses on replacing all cameras and updating our video/audio online broadcast systems.  After that project is completed, we will move on to phase two which will focus on lighting systems and updating our video screens.

Thank you for your continued generosity, and I want you to know your partnership is making a difference for the Kingdom of God.  I encourage you to stay faithful in your pledge commitments for Light the Way.  We are off to a great start, but we still have a way to go.  Thank you for being a generous church, and I believe God will Light the Way forward through us as we advance our mission and expand our ministries in these coming days.  I look forward to seeing you this weekend in worship.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Matthew 28:19 says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Jesus loves the nations, so we should too.  The Great Commission commands us to not only make disciples in Austin, but also to make disciples across our nation and world.  That is why our vision statement is “to see God light up your life, your home, your neighborhood, and the world.”

I’m thankful to be on mission this week in Egypt with our friends at TC Egypt.  We are training over 700 Egyptian ministry leaders, conducting outreaches to youth and business leaders, and leading ministry events at our campus in Fayoum.  Thank you for being a Great Commission church that is committed to reaching the world.  Your participation through praying, going, and giving is making all the difference in extending the Gospel.

Not everyone may get to go to Egypt, but I remind you we all have an opportunity to be on mission next month.  Easter is Sunday April 20^th, and we will offer three identical services: 8am, 9:30am, and 11am.  You have a unique opportunity to live out the Great Commission by simply inviting someone to come and worship our risen King on that special Sunday. 

Did you know Lifeway research has found that 82% of people would come to church if a personal friend invited them?  The problem is the same research found only 2% of Christians regularly invite their friends.  Let’s be on mission this month!  Pray for your neighbors and friends, and extend an invitation to them for Easter Sunday.  One simple invitation could change someone’s life forever.

I will miss you again this Sunday as we will be traveling back to Austin.  However, Pastor Matt Gillum will be back to preach this weekend’s sermon in our series, “After God’s Heart.”  Continue to pray for our team, and I look forward to seeing you next week and sharing all that God has done in the middle east.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

The apostle Paul reminds us, “for we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).  The day will come where we see Jesus face-to-face.  But as for this moment in time, we do not walk by sight but rather by faith.  Our walk of faith is not a lonesome journey because the Holy Spirit lives in us and serves as our personal comforter and guide.  However, this walk can become exhausting at times.  Trials, temptations, and distractions slow down our progress in our faith journeys.  Paul saw this was the case in the church of Galatia: “You were running well.  Who hindered you from obeying the truth?” (Galatians 5:7).

God is on the move, and He wants us to be as well.  So, what is your next step of faith?  Perhaps it is to join the church or find community through a Bible Fellowship Group.  Maybe it is to be vulnerable and seek help in a struggle with sin.  It might be to leave your comfort zone and begin serving others at ABC.  It could be instituting new spiritual disciplines such as prayer, scripture reading, and rest.  We are all in different places of our faith journeys, but we all have a next step to take.  God does not want you to get stuck, but instead to make progress in your faith.  Let our staff know how we can help you take that next step this week.

As a reminder, I will be leading a team to Egypt this Saturday.  I will miss seeing you on Sunday, but you will be left in good hands.  Pastor Nathan Wood will deliver a great message as we continue in our sermon series, “After God’s Heart.”  Garrett Ullrich will also be leading worship in both services, and I’m excited to see God work through him as we worship the King.  Please be in prayer for our team and for the many ministries of TC Egypt.  Pray for safe travels and for God to shine His light through us in the middle east.

Invite a friend this Sunday and press on in your journey of faith.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Our mission at ABC is to lead people into a life-changing relationship with the Light of the World, Jesus Christ.  We advance this mission locally but also globally through strategic partnerships.  For the past three years, one of these partners has been TC Egypt.  Because of your generosity, we are able to help fund a life-changing ministry in the middle east.  TC Egypt offers evangelism and discipleship programs, pastoral training, recovery ministries, and impactful outreaches for youth and young adults. Our church sponsors their newest campus located in Fayoum.

This Sunday we will pray over our fourth short-term mission group that will be sent to Egypt.  I will help lead this group, and we are scheduled to leave for Egypt on Saturday March 1^st.  Our team will focus on pastoral equipping, work and faith seminars, and youth outreach.  We are also assisting TC Egypt in their first ministry leadership conference.  They are expecting over 700 ministry leaders to gather in Cairo for two days of Biblical equipping, worship, and prayer.  I’m looking forward to speaking at this conference and encouraging these Egyptian ministers to press on in their ministry calling for Christ.

I encourage you to do two things in these coming days.  First, please pray for our group and for the continued ministry of TC Egypt.  We are excited to see God is at work in the middle east and fulfilling his prophetic promise to Isaiah, “And the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and the Egyptians will know the Lord in that day and worship with sacrifice and offering, and they will make vows to the Lord and perform them” (Isaiah 19:21).

Secondly, I encourage you to remain steadfast in your generosity.  Gospel impact like this is only possible because of your continued partnership with ABC’s general fund.  When you give to ABC, you do not just give to the church, but also through the church.  I am thankful for our ministry partnerships, and I am excited about the new partnerships that will be formed as we eliminate our debt in the coming months.  I have no doubt God will shine His light even farther through ABC as we grow in our generosity together.

Thank you for your prayers and support in our mission.  I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday as we continue our sermon series, “After God’s Heart.”  Invite a friend and I’ll see you in worship on this special Lord’s Supper Sunday.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

1 Corinthians 12:27, “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”  The apostle Paul explains the church can be rightly understood as one body.  We have one head, Jesus Christ, and as members of His body, we are connected to Him and to each other.  And just as God designed a purpose behind every part of our physical bodies, God has also designed a purpose for each of us in His body, the church.

This Sunday you will have an opportunity to find your part to play in this local body, Austin Baptist Church.  We are hosting Ministry Fair in the Great Hall immediately before and after our two worship services.  Tables will be on display to showcase the many service opportunities that can be found at ABC.  Staff members and volunteers will be available to answer questions and help you find a ministry area that fits with your unique passions and giftedness.

Participating in a church will only grow you so much in your faith.  Listening to sermons, attending classes, and fellowshipping with believers will of course be of some benefit.  However, I have found partnering with a church is where the real spiritual growth begins.  There is a difference between sitting in the bleachers and getting in the game of ministry.  God wants every believer to partner on mission and live out their callings through His church.  Have you found your pasture to serve in at ABC?  You will have an opportunity this Sunday at church.

On a sidenote, I’ve had several ask questions about our Citizen ATX podcast channel.  As you may know, we host a podcast show to extend relevant Biblical conversations outside our church walls.  This winter, we are pairing the podcast show with our current sermon series, “After God’s Heart.”  Each week, we are releasing an episode focused on further discussion of the previous Sunday’s sermon.  If you’d like to check it out, you can click this LINK and access the show.  It’s available on all podcast channels and is free of charge.

Invite a friend this Sunday, and I look forward to seeing you in worship this weekend.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

1 John 1:7,” But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another.”  One of the greatest blessings of church is fellowship.  God wants us to be known by Him, but also known by others.  This is why one of our core values at ABC is authenticity.  I believe God wants each of us to experience an authentic relationship with Him, as well as authentic relationships with believers.  Healthy churches are filled with believers who invest into the lives of others around them.  Life is so much sweeter when we have brothers and sisters who pray for us, encourage us, celebrate with us, and grieve alongside us in seasons of hardship.

Do you have a Christian support system in your life?  I’ve said it many times: you never know how much you need a church until you need a church.  If you need community in your life, be encouraged it isn’t too late to begin building one.  ABC is a growing church, but you can be known here.  We may be too big for everybody to know everybody, we are not too big for everybody to be known by somebody.  The first step to being known is to attend one of our Bible Fellowship Groups.  I encourage you to take a leap of faith and visit a class.  BFG’s serve as the backbone of our church, and they are where community begins to forge.  You can class listings HERE.

I also encourage you consider jumping in on some of the wonderful events we offer week to week.  For instance, this Friday is the Family Fun Fest.  This will be a great opportunity for younger families with grade school children to come together for fellowship and fun.  It is not too late to sign up, and you can do so HERE.  I pray ABC continues to broaden its reach into our community and builds a fellowship that is known across Austin, Texas.  Walk in the light as He is in the light this week, and experience the fellowship God has designed for your life.

I look forward to continuing our sermon series this Sunday.  Invite a friend and I’ll see you at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).  Jesus Christ wants every person to build a home that lasts.  This is why our church offers many life-giving ministries for families.  We want married couples to have healthy marriages, healthy children, and leave impactful legacies.  The Lifelong Marriage Conference is another opportunity for married couples to invest in their homes through the ministries of ABC.

I’m excited to welcome back bestselling author and international speaker, Gary Thomas.  Gary has published over 20 books and is an expert in the areas of marriage, parenting, and spiritual formation.  He is going to lead our conference on Friday night, Saturday morning, and he will offer a powerful message during our 8:45am and 11:15am services.

Bethany and I hope you plan to join us for this important weekend.  It is not too late to sign up, so please register HERE.  I also encourage you to invite another couple to be a part of this fun weekend.  If you have not found a BFG, this could be the perfect opportunity to visit one of our many Bible study classes at 10am, before or after your worship service.  Help me make Gary feel welcome this Sunday, and I look forward to worshipping with you.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Greetings from California!  I am currently in southern California to meet with our church planting partners at the North American Mission Board.  As you know, part of our Light the Way generosity initiative includes a new mission’s partnership with the church planting movement that is happening in metropolitan Los Angeles. 

Over the next two years, ABC will help fund NAMB’s church planting residency program in LA.   This program attracts the best aspiring church planters in southern California.  We will come alongside these men of God by helping fund their training and seminary education.  In the coming months, we will prayerfully choose one of these men to partner with in his church planting work.  We will support his church by praying, giving, and sending people to assist in the evangelistic effort.

I do find it providential that God opened this door to us during such a tumultuous season in Los Angeles.  It is heartbreaking to witness the wake of destruction that these wildfires are leaving behind in southern California.  However, I am also encouraged that God is building strong local churches in this same region for such a time as this.

NAMB has planted 79 southern California churches in the last 5 years and witnessed over 700 baptisms through those congregations.  These LA churches preach God’s Word effectively in 14 different languages and minister to the 18 million people who live in metropolitan LA.  God is on the move in southern California, and I believe man’s tragedy provides a divine opportunity for Jesus Christ to do a fresh work in the hearts of people.

Join me in praying for those who are suffering unthinkable loss.  Pray for those who have lost loved ones and pray for those who have lost their homes, businesses, and churches.  Pray for the local church to shine its light through disaster relief efforts.  And pray for these men that God is preparing to send on mission for Him.  I’m excited to see the lives that will be changed forever because of our partnership at ABC.  Because you give, God continues to Light the Way forward as we eliminate our debt, expand our mission, and extend our message.

Pray for me and our team, and I do look forward to returning to Austin later this week.  This Sunday I will press on in our new sermon series, “After God’s Heart.”  Be sure to join us at 8:45am or 11:15am for a special Lord’s Supper weekend.  Invite a friend and I look forward to seeing you there.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer