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I am very excited about our restart of Sunday School, which began last Sunday, September 13. We had 43 attend, and I am most grateful for that turnout. It may be difficult for some of us to get back in the habit, but I trust that you recall the value and importance of Sunday School. Please pray for your teacher, and plan to be present with your family next Sunday.
The Governor’s most recent report on the COVID protocols shows that the numbers continue to improve, and he is opening up more of the state. I honestly believe you are safe to return to church, and I trust that you will do so soon. We will continue to maintain our safety procedures; masks will be encouraged when you are coming in and out and moving around among others. While optional, we strongly recommend them.
I want to share the great news – the lake property closed on Monday, September 14! The results were exactly as presented in the business meeting a few weeks ago. God is good, amen? This means that in very short order our church will be debt free. There is paperwork to be done, but the finance committee will be working to get the details in place and we will be able to celebrate a note burning ceremony soon! We should all sense the great joy and blessings of our amazing God in this endeavor. Many thanks to the finance committee for the behind the scenes efforts to make this happen.
The value to the mission and ministry of Tabernacle Baptist Church in being debt free is almost beyond measure. The Bible says, “The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). We are no longer “servant to the lender.” I have opposed debt for the church through most of my ministry because every church I pastored, with one exception, had debt when I arrived. In four situations now I have been privileged to lead a church in becoming debt free. The immediate blessing to missions and other areas of ministry has been astonishing. I recognize that some circumstances can make it wise for a church to borrow money. But what a joy when it is paid off!
Lord willing, we will continue on in Daniel 4 next Sunday and see how God’s Truth Triumphs in all circumstances. What an amazing story of God’s mercy and grace that we see in the salvation of King Nebuchadnezzar. If you miss a sermon, please remember that all of our sermons can be accessed by audio here: https://www.tbcmacon.com/sermons
Please stay in prayer for our Pastor Search Committee. They are making great progress, and I believe we are at the point of serious consideration in finding our next senior pastor.
As always, I am looking forward to what God will do at Tabernacle this coming Sunday. Please be present with your Bibles in hand as we worship the Lord together – once again, in-person!
Blessings, YFJS, Bro. Tom