The Sights and Sounds of Christmas was incredible!  I was so proud of our church as we welcomed nearly 1,500 people to our Christmas presentations.  I was especially proud of our members who took the challenge to heart and brought their friends to church.  Thank you to Dr. Todd Stearns and our entire worship ministry for an amazing musical presentation.  I also want to thank Stephen Vaughn and our media ministry volunteers for making the production possible.  And I of course want to thank Derek Tackett and his facilities team for making our church such a beautiful and inviting place to our community.

We are now officially in the home stretch to Christmas.  I hope you have purchased your gifts and are counting down the days with me.  Make plans to join us for one of our three identical candlelight services (2pm, 4pm, 6pm) on Christmas Eve.  These family-friendly worship services are perhaps my favorite services of the entire year.  We will sing familiar Christmas carols, hear an encouraging message from God’s Word, and have a memorable time of candle-lighting in the worship center. 

Note we will have the nursery open for little ones and our Family Worship Room will also be an available resource for young families.  Who can you invite to experience the wonder of Christmas with you?  Let’s shine our light into our community and invite our family, friends, and neighbors to worship with us on Christmas Eve. 

We announced last weekend we are also looking forward to welcoming back my friend Gary Thomas for The Lifelong Love Marriage Conference on January 24-26^th.  Gary is a best-selling author and international speaker on the topics of marriage, parenting, and spiritual formation.  I would encourage you to go ahead and save your spot by registering HERE. The best Christmas gift you could give your spouse is your commitment to invest in your marriage in 2025.

Thank you for your continued generosity through our general fund year-end giving.  Your faithfulness makes ministry happen here at ABC.  Thank you for partnering with us in the Gospel to reach our community and world.  Have a great week, and I’m looking forward to teaching on the wise men this Sunday at our 8:45am and 11:15am services.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

A Lifeway Research Poll discovered “82% of people would come to church if a friend invited them.”  Some may be shocked by this statistic.  Apparently 4 out of 5 of your friends would likely give church a chance if you simply invited them.  The problem is research also found only 2% of Christians regularly invite their friends to church.  Jesus’ words come to mind as I process these stats: “the harvest is ready, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37)

Why don’t Christians invite their friends to church?  I believe it’s usually because of one of three reasons.  First, some Christians just don’t have unchurched friends.  It’s hard to invite folks we do not engage with.  Second, some Christians underestimate their own influence.  They wrongly convince themselves that no one would accept their invitation.  Third, some Christians just get complacent.  It is tempting to become inward focused as a believer.  After all, churches are filled with great friends, life-giving ministries, and comfortable relationships.  We can forget the church is also called to reach those who are not here yet.

I want to encourage you to look outward this Christmas season.  I believe you have neighbors, co-workers, classmates, family, and friends who would go to church if you simply invited them.  This Sunday is the perfect opportunity to do so.  The Sights and Sounds of Christmas will have Saturday and Sunday performances.  Don’t miss this opportunity to bring someone into the life and ministry of ABC.  Additionally, we are offering three candlelight services on Christmas Eve.  December 24^th offers the most invitation-friendly service of the year!  Many would be open to singing familiar carols, hearing a comforting message, and experiencing the wonder of light.  But they will only do so if they are asked.

Take a gift and invitation card to a neighbor.  Text your friends and bring your out-of-town family.  Christmas is the perfect opportunity to share the light of Jesus Christ with those who are around us.  Join me in prayer for these upcoming weeks and may we each engage our communities this Christmas season.

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.  As we enter this Christmas season, I encourage you to keep this mission at the forefront of your minds.  I believe God is about to give us several opportunities to advance our mission forward during the month of December.

This Saturday, over 100 volunteers are taking Christmas on the road for our annual Light Up Austin outreach.  ABC will offer Christmas attractions for families in need, a free lunch, and a hope-filled Christmas program at two different locations.  Then the following week, ABC will host The Sights and Sounds of Christmas with Saturday and Sunday performances (Dec 14^th 4pm, Dec 15^th 3pm).  And finally, our Christmas Eve Candlelight Services will be an impactful time of worship for the entire community (Dec 24^th 2pm, 4pm, 6pm). 

Do not miss your opportunity to invite someone to church this Christmas!  You never know how one simple invitation could change a person’s life forever.  I am also so thankful to see how God is advancing our mission forward through giving.  I am happy to report over $2.1 million in Light the Way contributions have already been received, and our debt now stands below $3.5 million.  It’s amazing to consider the debt was over $10 million just four years ago.  To God be the glory for great things He has done, and great things He continues to do through ABC.

I encourage you to now set your eyes on our general fund giving as we close out the 2024 fiscal year.  As most of you know, year-end giving is a critical time for ABC.  We traditionally receive about 25% of our general fund contributions during this time of year.  The general fund is the pipeline that fuels all the missions, ministries, facilities, and personnel of ABC.  The general fund is our great commission fund as it enables us to advance the great commission through the day to day ministries of ABC.  Let’s pray expectantly and give generously as we bring this 2024 budget year to a close.

Thank you for your continued faithfulness.  It’s a great blessing and joy to serve you and be a part of this faith family.  I look forward to seeing you this Sunday at 8:45am and 11:15am.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

It’s hard to believe but the holiday season is already upon us.  If you are like me, you are making plans for Thanksgiving and already putting together your Christmas shopping lists.  I’d like to invite you to take care of some of those shopping needs while you are at church on Sunday December 1^st.  That morning we will have the unique opportunity to welcome special guests from the city of Bethlehem.

John and Chris Nissan, co-owners of Nissan Brothers in Bethlehem (https://nissanbros.com), will be joining us that morning.  Nissan Brothers is a Christian family-owned business that makes beautiful hand-carved olive wood sculptures depicting biblical stories.  The Nissan brothers operate an amazing wood factory and storefront in the heart of Bethlehem.  They are blessed to employee over 100 Bethlehemites across their business operations.

Due to the ongoing war in Israel, the tourism market has steeply declined and local businesses are suffering.  To avoid laying off their employees, the Nissan Brothers are currently on a tour of American churches.  They are selling their beautiful hand-carved masterpieces at churches to help keep their business afloat while they wait for the return of tourism to the Holy Land.

I have personally visited their store in Bethlehem, and I have one of their beautiful hand-carved nativity sculptures in my office.  I’m excited to introduce these wonderful believers to you and give you an opportunity to support them.  If you are in town that Sunday after Thanksgiving, I encourage you to purchase one of the displayed items you will see in the Great Hall.  Not only will you be purchasing a unique gift for a loved one, but you’ll also be directly blessing our brothers and sisters in Israel through your support.

I hope you have a wonderful week, and I’m excited to see what God is going to do this upcoming Christmas season.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Proverbs 3:9-10 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”  Last Sunday was an incredible day in the life of our church!  I am so humbled by what God has done through Light the Way.  Thank you for your generosity and thank you for worshipping the Lord through your giving.  I have no doubt God is going to shine through our efforts and bless you in your faithfulness.

This weekend is our Light the Way “Firstfruits Sunday.”  We are requesting every Light the Way partner to consider making a “firstfruits” offering towards their Light the Way commitment.  If you are like me, you will be fulfilling your Light the Way commitment over the course of 2025-2026.  However, I would encourage you to join me in making an initial contribution this Sunday to jumpstart Light the Way in the new year.  These early gifts will provide resources to help us launch our missions and media projects in January and gain momentum in paying off the debt. 

You are welcome to turn in a designated Light the Way offering this Sunday in the offering plate (offering envelopes are available), or you can go online to austinbaptistchurch.com and designate your gift there.  I look forward to being back in the pulpit this weekend to offer a special sermon on “How to Build God’s House.”  We will look to the example of Moses and the tabernacle, and scripture will encourage us to bring our time, talent, and treasure to the Lord to advance His mission through ABC for years to come.

P.S. Our thanksgiving meal is right around the corner!  If you have not registered yet, please purchase your ticket for our November 20^th meal here: https://austinbaptistchurch.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/3b75eb54-6ed5-4438-88f0-b9767be5395e

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Romans 12:10 says, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”  God instructs the church to give honor where honor is due.  This Sunday we will give honor to our local heroes on this special Veteran’s Day Weekend.  I am so thankful for the men and women who have served, and are currently serving, to protect the freedom we enjoy.  Here at ABC, we honor these men and women and acknowledge we are only able to worship freely because of their service.

I encourage you to come early this Sunday and take a look at our “Wall of Honor” in the Great Hall.  This wall will showcase pictures and biographical information of ABC members (and relatives) who have served or are currently serving in our armed services.  This tribute has become one of my favorite traditions in the church, and I hope you will take some time to look at this wall and give honor where honor is due. 

This Sunday will also be a special day because we will honor God for what He has done through Light the Way.  At the conclusion of our services, we will reveal the results from the collected Light the Way commitment cards.  I am so thankful to pastor a generous church, and I cannot wait to see what God will do as we eliminate our debt, expand our mission, and extend the message.  Wear red, white, and blue, invite a friend, and join us for a milestone moment in the life of our church.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Last Sunday’s Sermon: Pray for America

We had an incredible Sunday at ABC!  I am so thankful for what God is doing through the Light the Way generosity initiative.  Last Sunday, I was humbled to watch hundreds of people take courageous steps down the aisle to commit together in Light the Way.  I believe God is going to be glorified through each of these commitments, and I cannot wait to see what He will do as we eliminate our debt, expand our mission, and extend the message.

I know everyone is anxious to hear the total results from these commitment cards.  I want to remind you we will reveal these results during our celebration Sunday on November 10th.  We are waiting this additional week to provide one more Sunday for people to turn in their commitment cards. We understand some were out this past weekend, so we want to give everyone a chance to partner together before the results are communicated.  Thank you for your patience, and I look forward to celebrating with you on November 10^th.

This weekend will have its own celebration because it is Parent Child Dedication weekend.  We will have beautiful families lined up on stage in both of our services for a special time of dedication.  These parents are committing o raise their children in Christ-centered homes, and we as the church are committing to come alongside them in this journey.  I am grateful to pastor a church that loves kids and prioritizes children’s and youth ministries!  Join me in prayer for these families and may we each be faithful to do our part in supporting and encouraging them in the days to come.

***One final note: Don’t forget Veteran’s Day weekend is also November 10^th.  We will honor our veterans that day in our worship services and through our “Wall of Honor” display in the Great Hall.  This wall has become a beloved tradition in our church, and we want to honor our ABC members (or relatives) who have served or are currently serving in our armed services.  Make sure you have turned in your veteran’s information so he or she can be displayed on this wall.  Due to technological issues, we need every veteran resubmitted this year, including those who were submitted in previous years.  Thank you for your assistance in this effort: https://austinbaptistchurch.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/12ee02bc-c8c4-472a-acd8-164ece4ac1f8

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Last Sunday’s Sermon: “The Impact of Generosity” – Joshua 24:11-15

I’m excited to see how God is going to shine through our church this coming weekend.   This Sunday is a milestone moment at ABC as we Light the Way forward together.  We have spent the month of October exploring our generosity initiative by examining the Scriptures and uniting our hearts around three shared objectives: eliminate our debt, expand our mission, and extend the message.

This Sunday you will be given an opportunity to respond to the Spirit’s leading in your heart.  What will this look like?  Everyone in attendance will be invited to turn in a commitment card at the conclusion of our worship services.  Each card will reflect a faith-filled two-year commitment to contribute a set amount towards the Light the Way initiative.  As we turn in these cards, we will trust in God and depend on his grace to be able to fulfill our pledges.

I pray you consider taking a step forward with us together.  If you have never given to the Lord, I pray you will take your first step of generosity.  If you have given to the Lord periodically, I pray Light the Way will lead you to begin giving regularly.  If you have given to the Lord regularly, I pray this initiative will lead you to give sacrificially for this season.  We are all on different steps in our faith journeys, but I pray for each of us to be obedient to take the next step that the Lord prompts.

Thank you for being such a generous church.  I’m humbled to serve with you, and I am full of hope and great expectations for the future of Austin Baptist Church.  May God continue to bless the gifts that are given, and may God continue to bless the faithful givers at ABC.  I look forward to seeing you this Sunday at 8:45am or 11:15am.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Want more info about Light the Way? Click here: https://austinbaptistchurch.com/lighttheway

Last Sunday’s Sermon: “Let Them Hear” – Extend the Message

The apostle Paul testified, “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22).  Paul was extraordinarily flexible in his approach to evangelism. He was willing to do just about anything other than sin for the sake of reaching the lost.  He laid aside personal preferences and convictions when ministering to the Jews or to the Greeks.  He taught in synagogues, marketplaces, and even in jail cells.  He traveled extensively and endured hardship for the sake of reaching people for Jesus.  Paul was an immovable force in regard to his message, but he was very open-handed in regard to his methods.

This Sunday we are going to talk about our third strategic objective of Light the Way: “Extend the Message.”  I believe God wants to extend the message of Jesus Christ through our church for years to come.  As we consider how to extend the message, it is imperative for us to consider the most effective methods in our culture.  If there is anything the world needs right now, I believe it is the teaching of God’s Word.  The Scriptures must be clearly communicated, and the Word must be accessible where others can hear it.  For this reason, we are focusing on advancing our technological resources at ABC, so we can extend the message of Jesus Christ to our digital city and world.

This Sunday we will take a closer look at this objective as we continue our study in the book of Joshua.  I encourage you to keep praying with me about how God is leading you to Light the Way forward at ABC.  You should receive a commitment card in the mail this week.  I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the card and prayerfully fill it out in the coming days as the Lord leads you.  As a reminder, we will have a time of commitment on Sunday October 27^th.  Bring that card with you to church (we will have extras if you forget), and we will have a special time of commitment during our two worship services that day.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday, and I cannot wait to see what God will do as we Light the Way together as one.

Onward and upward,

Jonathan Spencer

Last Sundays Sermon: “Radical Obedience” – Expand our Mission: Joshua 6:1-20

Want more info about Light the Way? Click here: https://austinbaptistchurch.com/lighttheway