Low Country Boil

We had a perfect evening for a great meal and to talk about the gospel! Around sixty were present, about one-third were friends and family from outside our church. I am excited to see you using this event for gospel purposes. May the seed of the gospel go into deep, rich soil and produce exponential fruit.

Elder Nominee: David Trice

The elders recommend that the church reaffirm David Trice as an elder. David has served previously as a Crestview elder. After faithfully serving two terms, he rolled off to take a required sabbatical break. He and Brenda have enjoyed this rest, and he is ready to return to active elder service. We rejoice over this and are grateful for his willingness to serve.

At the quarterly members meeting on November 16, the church will have the opportunity to affirm David’s nomination. If any member has questions about David, please address them to David or the elders. Thank you for praying for David, Brenda, and our church as we discern the Lord’s will together over these next four weeks.

October Focus: Week Three: Give for Heavenly Reward

During October, we are focusing on the grace of giving. In addition to shaping our hearts, a biblical motive for giving to your church is heavenly reward. Jesus taught: “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matt 6:20). Paul wrote to the church in Phillipi: “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit (Phil 4:17). When we use our money to support the work of God’s kingdom, he promises us heavenly rewards.

Let’s be SUPER CLEAR: God does NOT promise that if you give to your church, he will increase your net worth today. Such reasoning is the so-called prosperity gospel and is heresy!

The Bible does promise eternal, HEAVENLY rewards resulting from faith-driven, grace-motivated obedience on this side of heaven. What you do with your money today potentially affects you forever. So, let’s give with an eye toward heavenly rewards.

A typical practical question we all ask is: How much should I give to my church? First, plan your giving. Develop a family budget that includes giving to your church along with your expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everything else your family needs. Second, plan to give enough to touch your heart and draw your attention toward the Lord and his heavenly kingdom. Third, give in proportion to your income. Those who have more should usually give more.

May we all continue growing as disciples who use money for the Lord's glory.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas