An Important Abortion Case

Church Family,

Here are several items I want to draw to your attention this week:

ADVENT OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY

The four Sundays before Christmas are traditionally referred to as Advent, a season of expectation of the coming of Christ. As we gather each of these Lord's Days, elements of our worship will focus upon this theme. This season is an ideal time to bring guests to experience God's Spirit in gathered worship and hear the gospel proclaimed. Who will you invite? Keep an eye out for a new social media Avent campaign that will begin later this week. You can help spread the invitation by sharing these posts widely. Advent invitation cards are available to help you invite others. Take advantage of this season to reach friends, family, and neighbors with the gospel.

NEW WINTER QUARTER EQUIPPING COURSES BEGIN THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday, we have new courses from which to select. The courses are listed below. Attend the one that stirs your interest the most.

DEACON ORDINATION

In gathered worship this Sunday, we will formally ordain two new deacons, Lee Ramseur and Rocky Stubbs, and reaffirm Mike McGhin to this office. Would you please pray for these brothers and their wives?

IMPORTANT ABORTION CASE

This Wednesday, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear arguments in a case out of Mississippi, which can challenge Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling legalizing abortion nationwide. Would you please join me in praying this week that the justices will have the wisdom and courage to make a decision that protects the lives of unborn children? 

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

What is Advent?

What is Advent?

Though not something we have routinely highlighted with Crestview, it is a rich idea that we will be emphasizing this year. Advent is a season of waiting, designed to cultivate our awareness of God's actions in the past, present, and future. We remember Israel's waiting for the Messiah, giving thanks for Christ's incarnation, and anticipating his second coming. Across church history, churches have marked the four Sundays preceding Christmas with this focus. Starting on November 28, we will be highlighting Advent each Sunday in gathered worship with special readings, prayers, songs, and (yes!) candles. This will culminate with special Christmas services on Christmas Eve (5:00 PM) and Sunday, December 26. Pray for the Lord to strengthen his church. Pray for the gospel to be clearly proclaimed from Hebrews over these weeks.

The Advent season is ideal for inviting friends, family, neighbors, and your "ones" to Crestview on Sundays. Unique invite cards will be available to use. Also, keep an eye out for a social media blitz and share posts widely with your friends.

Members Meeting Updates

This past Sunday, the church received Josh and Hayley Roberts into membership. They are the proud parents of Jude and Asher. Let's continue to warmly welcome the Roberts into the Crestview family.

The church affirmed Lee Ramseur, Rocky Stubbs, and Mike McGhin deacons. What a blessing these brothers and their wives are to us all! We will set these brothers apart to this service in our worship gathering in the next several weeks.

The 2022 Church Ministry Budget was approved. I am grateful for the work your staff, finance team, and elders put into its development, as well as your affirmation to support this ministry plan. Let's continue to honor the Lord not only in our giving but also in our entire lives.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

2022 Church Ministry Budget

Church Family,

Linked below, you will find the proposed 2022 Church Ministry Budget. This is more than just a budget; it is also a motivation to honor the Lord with our giving. We give because it is good for us. Being cheerful givers shows that we value God and his plans more than we love the things of this world. God does not need our money; he is doing just fine. Yet, by being faithful with the money he has given to us, we show off how good and trustworthy he is. Our giving is a reflection of our trust in his faithfulness.

Our giving should be thoughtful and deliberate, not habitually spontaneous in response to urgent appeals. The same is true for our church. The budget helps us to be intentional about where we invest. The budget is like a spiritual mutual fund. Your leaders look for the best spiritual investment opportunities and bring them to you in the form of our budget. There are many instructions in the Bible about how and where believers are to use their money. Giving to the budget is a way we help one another obey these instructions.[1]

As you review the budget, also check your giving practices and tendencies. How has God proven himself to be gracious and faithful? Are you showing off how good and trustworthy he is?

The elders, finance team, and staff have prepared a budget that allows us to pursue the Lord's priorities for his church. Minor adjustments have been made throughout to match what is anticipated this coming year, but what is proposed is not significantly different from this year. During the member's meeting following gathered worship on November 14, we will have the opportunity to discuss and adopt the budget as a church. To be sure you get the best answers to any questions, please contact an elder or finance team member before November 14.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

PROPOSED 2022 CHURCH MINISTRY BUDGET

[1] Jamie Dunlop, Budgeting for a Healthy Church (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2019), 140.

Controversy at the EC

Church Family,

I pray you are growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord today!

I do not often write about the more extensive workings of Great Commission Baptists (SBC), but there have been issues in the news over the last few weeks that may have caught your attention and raised concern. You may be wondering, “What’s going on?”

Controversy at the EC

The first issue relates to the sexual abuse investigation of the Executive Committee (EC) ordered by the Convention this past summer in Nashville. The EC represents the interests of the Convention between annual meetings. Concerning accusations have surfaced this past year about the EC’s handling of sexual abuse cases. Messengers in Nashville approved a motion directing the EC to cooperate with an open investigation into its processing of such cases, which included a requirement to wave attorney-client privilege.

In its first meeting since the Nashville Convention, the EC voted in a split decision against following the Convention's motion in an unprecedented action. A majority of EC members wanted to pursue a model for the investigation that would avoid waiving attorney-client privilege. This decision set of a firestorm. A key issue at stake was whether a convention entity could thwart the expressed directive of the Convention. It is my understanding that no entity has explicitly defied a messenger-approved motion in this way. This vote was concerning to many, especially coming on the heels of the Nashville Convention, where several apparent efforts by the EC to expand its authority were voted down by messengers.

In the wake of the storm, the EC reconvened in several called sessions. Eventually, enough votes were swayed to change the decision and approve moving forward with the messenger’s motion. The sexual abuse investigation has started, and its findings will be made public before the 2022 annual meeting.

Resignations

The second issue surrounds the fallout at the EC from this decision. A handful of committee members have resigned. The attorneys who have represented the EC for decades gave notice that they will not continue due to the waiver of attorney-client privilege. Lastly, Ronnie Floyd, the executive committee president, resigned. In the wake of Nashville and the EC's change of decisions to follow the messenger's motion, which Floyd did not support, the resignation was not surprising. Floyd had served in this role for just over two years. The EC is beginning the search process for a new president.

What does all this mean?

I heard someone say recently, “Things are not as good as the annual meeting makes them out to be, nor are they as bad as they appear on social media.” This seems right. First, all should agree that it is good that the investigation into the EC’s handling of sexual abuse cases is moving forward. If missteps have been made in this area, shine the light and bring correction. Second, every faithful Great Commission Baptist church can celebrate that our mission efforts are going forward. We are a convention of tens of thousands of churches supporting thousands of missionaries worldwide, thousands of church planters in North America, and six biblically faithful seminaries. This dust-up around the EC and future actions of the committee need to be monitored, but the reasons we cooperate with other churches remain unchanged.

If you want to read further, I recommend Baptist Press’s coverage.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

On Twelve Years as Lead Pastor

Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you. 1 Peter 5:2

Church Family,

This week several items are on my mind:

On Twelve Years as Lead Pastor

This past Sunday marked my twelfth year as your lead shepherd. I am thankful for the Lord’s grace in reaching this milestone. Think for a moment about the thousands of prayers, myriads of conversations, multitudes of phone calls and text messages, and hundreds of sermons we have experienced together. It is a humbling privilege to be entrusted by the Lord to shepherd one of his local churches. I am grateful for the way you love my family and me. I am thankful for the way you affirm my leadership and give ear to the teaching. Most of all, I rejoice that you are endeavoring to walk faithfully with Jesus each day.     

On Our Refreshed Vision

It seems fitting that on my pastoral anniversary, a refreshed purpose statement was set forth. This statement was developed through each sermon in the Be the Church series and succinctly communicates our priorities: Crestview exists to glorify the Lord, replicate disciples of Jesus, live in community, and engage the world with the gospel. While this statement is fresh and new for us, there is no fundamental change in the direction of Crestview. These have been and will continue to be our priorities as a church. This vision is the same for every faithful gospel church throughout time and around the world. I pray this statement will help us better understand what the Lord calls us to be as his church.

On Commissioning

This Sunday, October 10, we will commission one of our members for international service. As we saw in Romans 10, sending out workers is a meaningful way we engage the world with the gospel. You will want to be present in the worship center for this special time as a church family. Out of the need to respect security concerns, the live stream will end after the sermon, and commissioning will not be available in the fellowship hall, at home, nor by YouTube. You need to be present in the worship center this Sunday to participate.

On Deacon Nominations

Thanks to all who participated in the deacon nomination process. Over the coming weeks, the elders and deacons will examine those who received the greatest number of nominations. Those who are qualified and desire to serve will be recommended to the congregation ahead of the November members meeting. Please continue to pray for this stage of the process.

On the Mission Georgia Offering

Praise the Lord! Crestview gave $5,150 for the Mission Georgia offering. Pray for these gifts to be used in the transformation of lives across our state.  

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

The Importance of Family Discipleship

“The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise…lest you forget the Lord.” Deuteronomy 6: 4-7, 12a

As we enter into a busy season of routine, I want to offer a few encouraging thoughts and challenges as we seek to live for Christ in our daily lives and primarily among our families. 

The call of discipling children is a noble and weighty one, and God's intended instrument to carry out this call is none other than the family. From the early church, parents were the front line of discipleship and Godly teaching in their children's lives. This can be a daunting task, which at times may seem more fitting for elders, equipping course teachers, or just more theologically trained people. Nonetheless, I want to encourage you, embrace God's good and holy design, even it feels lacking. God has a way of equipping and preparing his people for tasks they may feel unqualified to perform. Scripture would teach us that it is the Lord's grace amid our weakness and frailties that grants us the power of Christ to live faithful lives. This is why the apostle Paul can say, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Cor 12:9)." All members are discipled and edified through the various frameworks we have established, the Sunday gathered service, equipping courses, Wednesday discipling, and community groups. Ultimately, all these forms will be lacking if parents are not carrying the mantle of discipleship in the home.  

My encouragement is this, lean into family discipleship this fall season. Defend against the temptation to allow the plethora of extracurricular activities competing for your family to steal away this precious time. Have a practical, attainable family worship plan in place for the week where your family intentionally takes time to read and pray together. (If you would like a good resource on planning and executing family worship, reply to this email for a free copy of Donald Whitney's Family Worship). As Deuteronomy warns, much is at stake for apathy in this regard. We must be diligent in teaching biblical truth to our children and teenagers, "lest [they] forget the Lord." Everyone is responsible for their reception or rejection of Christ. Still, parents who teach their children about the Lord are a blessing and grace to their souls, preparing their hearts to be regenerated and enlivened by the Gospel! 

“Every Christian family ought to be as it were a little church, consecrated to Christ, wholly influenced and governed by his rules. And family education and order are some of the chief means of grace. If these fail, all other means are likely to prove ineffectual.” -Jonathon Edwards

Gentle and Lowly

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29

Church Family,

For Christmas this past year, both my daughter and brother gave me the same book as gifts. It is unusual to receive an identical book from two people on the same day! With the recommendation of two loved ones, I was eager to get into Gentle and Lowly. It did not disappoint.

Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinner and Sufferers (Crossway, 2020) is a meditation upon the feelings of Christ for his people. It is written by Dane Ortlund, a husband, father of five, and senior pastor of Naperville Presbyterian Church in Illinois.

Beginning from Jesus' statement in Matthew 11:29, "I am gentle and lowly in heart," Ortlund explores what the Bible reveals about Jesus's nature. The book does not focus on what Jesus has done, though certainly addressed, so much as it looks at who Jesus is. Each of the twenty-three chapters reflects on a facet of his nature, such as happiness, sympathy, gentleness, and tenderness. In addition to careful study of Biblical passages, Ortlund draws from an array of Puritans to help illuminate the heart of Christ, including Thomas Goodwin, Richard Sibbes, John Bunyan, John Owen, Charles Spurgeon, and more.

So, what did I think? Teaching, books, and songs over the past several decades have recovered a needed emphasis on God's sovereignty, bigness, and superiority. Gentle and Lowly reminds us that our Savior is not only mighty and transcendent but also immanent and possesses a tender heart for his people. I found the book to be a warm, devotional reflection on the person of Christ. It's not a book to read quickly, but one to savor. I recommend reading only one chapter per sitting and reserving a bit of time for reflection. Gentle and Lowly has a devotional feel that is easy to read yet is rich, theological, and doctrinal.

Does this sound like a book that interests you?

Crossway has sent our church 100 free copies of Gentle and Lowly as a gift. This Sunday, we will have free copies available. I ask that if you take one, that you commit to reading it before the end of the year. You may wish to read it individually. Couples may want to read it together. Families could easily read it as a resource for family worship. You might want to form a reading group with several friends or utilize it as a supplement in a discipling group.

I am glad to put edifying resources in your hands. Take up and read!

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Fall Kickoff Sunday

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. Colossians 3:15

Church Family,

I hope you are looking forward to our Fall Kickoff this Sunday.  Here is the information you need to know:

Fall Kickoff Sunday: Sept 5

• New Sermon Series: Be the Church. I will be preaching a special 4-part series of messages unpacking the fundamental purposes of Christ’s church. These purposes should fill our hearts and be reflected in our priorities as God’s people.

• New Equipping Courses @ 9:30 AM. We start new fall quarter equipping courses. Check out one that interests you most:

o    New Testament: Promises Kept, Matthew to 1 Thessalonians. Each Sunday Dan Lane and Doug Lawrence will teach an overview of a New Testament book. This is especially helpful for those who want to strengthen their grasp of the New Testament.

o    Gospel Centered Parenting: Becoming the Parents God Wants You to Be. Thomas and Tricia Hill and David and Brenda Trice will be teaching this course designed to help parents learn principles from the Bible that will apply the gospel to parenting. Parents who have children or teenagers are welcome.

o    Living as a Church: Unity that Shows the Gospel. Brandon Vaughn and Caleb Lawrence will be teaching this course that will help you better understand what the Bible says about being a united church. They will also provide clear ideas of what we can each do to build unity in our midst.

o    The Gospel Project: Genesis, Creation to Chaos. Rocky Stubbs and Donald Harden are teaching a co-ed class. Lynn Stubbs and Gail Adams are teaching a ladies class. The Gospel Project starts a new 3-year cycle with the book of Genesis.

• Picnic & Games after Gathered Worship. Each family bring their own meal for a church-wide picnic outdoors around the playground. Bring lawn chairs. We’ll organize games for fun.

•  Wear International Outfits. If you have an outfit from another country, you are encouraged to wear it this Sunday. We’ll be praying for various countries and highlighting our heart for God’s global purpose.

 Welcome New Members

At the Members Meeting this past Sunday we received in three new members.  Please welcome them into the Crestview family:  Jenni Kilby, Charlie Horton, and James Smith

 Deacon Nominations are Open

Deacon nominations are open. As explained in the members meeting, every member of the church is encouraged to prayerfully consider and submit the names of men who they see serving the church faithfully and who appear to be Biblically qualified. We hope to receive dozens and dozens of nominations forms. The deadline for submission Sunday, September 19. For more information, please read: 2021 DEACON NOMINATION FORM. Forms should be returned to the office.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Excercising Discernment

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:14

Church Family,

Infants have almost no ability to discern the difference between what is good and what is evil. Toddlers, for instance, will put nearly anything in their mouths, from pennies to the dog's toy. However, with maturity comes discernment and the ability to discriminate between options. Adults don't put anything in their mouths; they know healthy food is beneficial and not to eat pennies! Discernment reflects maturity.

Discernment is a spiritual virtue commended in scripture. It is the ability to judge between good and evil, right and wrong, and commendable and dishonorable. Here are three passages that highlight the importance of discernment:

• But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:14

• Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

• Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them. Hosea 14:9

As we mature as followers of Jesus Christ, believers should be learning to exercise powers of discernment. We should increasingly be able to identify the bait of sin, detect manipulation by fools, pick up on imbalanced and unsound teaching, tell the difference between propaganda and logical opinions, and pinpoint good from evil. Discernment is a godly virtue that every growing believer should exercise daily.

Kent Hughes, the longtime pastor of College Church in Wheaton, IL, has written about the need for discernment:

Only the mature—those who understand the teaching about righteousness and who practice it—will be able to make discerning judgment on the continual moral issues that arise in life. Life, as we know, perpetually faces us with the problem of telling good from evil. Our spiritual perception is daily taxed. But a righteous life that feeds on the solid food of God’s Word will be able to exercise mature judgment between what is good and what is evil.[1]

I agree with Hughes—the key to exercising wise discernment is knowing the word of God. But I would go farther: to exercise discernment, you must know God's Word BETTER than you do current events, social media trends, or the latest controversy. What occupies your time? With what are you filling your mind? A diet of weak and worthless content will undermine your ability to be discerning. Let’s give ourselves to feasting upon the meat of God's Word so that we can distinguish good from evil.

Finally, getting counsel from fellow, wise, mature believers strengthens discernment. God has designed us to be protected within our families and churches. Families should discuss issues where discernment is needed. Fellow believers should seek one another’s counsel. When we speak the truth in love to one another, we grow in maturity and discernment.

Church, let’s grow in our powers of discernment.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

[1] R. Kent Hughes, Hebrews: An Anchor for the Soul (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2015), 152.

Update from Pastor Thomas

Church Family,

I am thankful to have COVID behind me! Many have more challenging cases than I did, but mine turned out not to be as simple as I wished. I am feeling much better but am experiencing shortness of breath and fatigue. The doctor tells me this will continue to improve if I take care of myself. Thank you for the many prayers, meals, cards, and messages. You have cared well for my family and me through all this.

MY PLANS

My plan is to begin easing back into ministry responsibilities this week. I look forward to worshipping together with you on Sunday. The physical demands of preaching are going to be a challenge for me until my strength returns. I hope to be preaching again sooner than later. Still, we are making tentative plans for other men to preach: Aug 22 Brandon Vaughn, Aug 29 Caleb Lenard, and Sept 5 David Trice. If I’m able to begin preaching sooner, I will.

A PASSAGE DEAR TO ME: ROMANS 14:7-9

I want to share a passage of scripture that the Spirit has used to care for my soul these past two weeks. Romans 14:7-9, “For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.”

This text reveals that Christ is a good savior, regardless of my situation. Whether I am living and serving with total health or whether I am afflicted with a menacing virus. Jesus has risen, loves me, and is worthy of praise. Jesus is not only a savior for the exciting and fun seasons of life, but he is a tender, gentle shepherd through the hard seasons too. For this reason, my faith must run deep – in life or death – because Jesus is Lord. “Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.” Jesus experienced both life and death – and has shown that the end of both is a glorious life. Often he glorifies himself through what is hard for me. He has held me fast through it all, and my faith has not faltered. Jesus has proven again to be a solid footing for the soul. He will never fail his children.

PRAY FOR AFGANISTAN

Finally, the situation in Afghanistan has quickly unraveled this week as the Taliban has taken control of the country. Let's be constant in prayer for fellow believers who are facing threats of persecution. Many have lost homes and are now refugees. Pray for the Lord to provide for his sheep in every way - in life and in death.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Upcoming Student Ministry Disciple Now Weekend!!

A word from Cole…

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 1 Timothy 1:6-7

Our very first associational Disciple Now weekend for students is coming up Friday, August 13th, and Saturday, August 14th, and we couldn’t be more excited! Disciple Now is for all students, 6th-12th grade, and is a wonderful time for growth and fellowship for students. While there isn’t anything overly special about an event like Summer Camp or DNow, it is an opportunity for students, through getting away from their normal schedules and rhythms, to be able to devote more time and energy to maturing and growing in their faith and walk with the Lord. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, events like Disciple Now oftentimes are turning points of major growth and commitment to the Lord in the lives of many students. The discipleship of students is paramount, not simply for the future, but for the present. Students who are believing in Jesus Christ are not simply the church of tomorrow; they are the church of today. They need to be trained and discipled in the words of Christ, and DNow is just one of the ways that this takes place throughout the year.

I’d encourage all of our students, middle school and high school, to participate in DNow this year. Students who are not regularly plugged into our weekly gatherings are welcome to participate also. Invite neighbors, friends, teammates, and grandchildren to come and be a part of this awesome weekend! Here are a few things to know about DNow this August:

1) Our theme is Fearless, inspired by the verse quoted above, 1 Timothy 1:6-7. Students will study about men and women in Scripture who lived out bold, faithful, God-glorifying lives, and how we can apply truths from their lives today!

2) Students will be dropped off Friday evening and will be picked up after Sunday morning following gathered worship. Students should eat before they come on Friday. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner will be provided Saturday. Breakfast will be provided Sunday.

3) Cost for the event is $25 per student. This covers their T-shirt, conference and all materials, and meals for the weekend. Money for the conference will be due Sunday, August 8th, and can be submitted via the Church Center App through the ‘DNOW Student Weekend’ fund or dropped in a giving box on Sunday earmarked the same way. If you have any concerns or questions about funding for the conference or if you would like to sponsor a student to go, please contact Cole by email: Cole@crestviewbaptist.org

If you have any questions or want more information, go to our DNow Website, or feel free to reach out. If your student(s) plans to be involved, please let Cole know ASAP. We are looking forward to this DNow weekend! Please be in prayer for the Lord to work mightily in the lives of these students!

Grace to you,

Cole Barnes, Worship and Families

Atlanta and the world

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! Psalm 96:3

As the word of God spread outward from Jerusalem in the decades following the resurrection of our Lord, cities played a vital role in this expansion. The Apostle Paul's proclaimed the gospel and established churches in the major urban centers of the Mediterranean world, like Antioch, Ephesus, and Corinth. Establish churches in these urban centers, and, to be sure, the gospel would spread. It did.

The Atlanta metro area is a modern-day urban center that, like first-century Ephesus, is influencing the world. Last week our team serving in Clarkston (east Atlanta) saw this first-hand. We helped lead Camp Encounter with Clarkston International Bible Church and SendRelief (NAMB), where over 100 children and their families heard the gospel. These children represent Tanzania, Ethiopia, Sudan, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Nepal, just to name a few nations. These families are being loved and are hearing the gospel here in America. The reverberations of this love are being experienced worldwide as they communicate with their family and friends. Church, the Lord has brought the nations to our doorstep so that his marvelous works may be declared!

I am thankful for the fourteen members who served and the 166 members who sent them. Let’s continue to pray for eternal, gospel fruit.  Let’s be committed to the great opportunity we have to make much of Jesus here in the Atlanta metro area.  All people need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. May we continue to be a church that is faithful in this mission!

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Crestview Team Commissioned to Clarkston, GA

When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 19:33-34

This past Sunday, Crestview commissioned our latest team to go into Clarkston, Georgia (east Atlanta) for a week of ministry. We will once again serve alongside our friends at Clarkston International Bible Church (CIBC) and SendRelief (NAMB). The underlying ministry objective is to see the gospel spread among the refugee population in Clarkson.

A refugee is someone who has fled one’s home country and cannot return because of a well-founded fear of persecution. [1]  After two to four years of United Nations processing, around 1,000 refugees, sometimes more, are legally resettled into Clarkston each year, where they begin a new life in America. This resettlement is one of the ways the Lord is bringing the nations to our doorstep.

Next week our team will serve in CIBC's Camp Encounter and reach the community with gospel intentionality. Below this article is a list of those who will be serving.  Ways you can pray:

• Pray for the glory of the Lord to be loved in Clarkston

• Pray for children and their families to experience the love of Christ through us.

• Pray for our team to have the stamina for the week and to share the gospel boldly.

• Pray that we will serve our partners well and be a rich blessing to their ministry in Clarkston.

• Pray that all members of Crestview faithfully pray for this team.

The word sojourner used in the passage heading of this article is another name for refugee. The Lord calls us to love the sojourner as we love ourselves. I’m thankful for a team eager to spend a week doing this. Pray we do so in the fullness of the Spirit and the joy of the Lord.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

[1] Bauman, Seeking Refuge, 79.

You Can Be Part of Mystery Island VBS

Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:13-14

This Sunday night, June 27, Mystery Island Vacation Bible School begins at 6:00 PM! The theme of the week is “Tracking down the one true God”. Each evening kids will explore an exciting and mysterious tropical paradise while learning about the attributes of the Lord:

• Sunday: God is GREAT! As we stop in Acts 17 and find a city full of idols, we’ll hunt for clues about our great God and discover we must have the right view of him. We can’t make up a god of our own choosing.

• Monday: God is ALMIGHTY! Our mighty God knows everything, is everywhere, and has the power to do anything. As we study the account of Jonah, we’ll oooohhh and aaahhh as we focus on the three big Os of God – his omniscience, his omnipotence, and his omnipresence.

• Tuesday: God is RULER! We’ll check in with Isaiah and realize God Is not like us. Our minds will be blown away by his vastness, beauty, and holiness.

• Wednesday: God is EMMANUEL! God is high and mighty, Lord of all creation. And yet he also came to earth and desires a relationship with the people he has made. He is good and he loves us.

• Thursday: God is TRUSTWORTHY! With the account of David, we’ll learn that God is great, God is good, and God is perfect in all things, so we can trust him with our lives. He is our rock. [1]

 Ways you can be part of Mystery Island VBS:

• Bring Your Own Kids: No child is too young to learn about God and hear they need to receive Christ as Lord and Savior. Combined with the example of godly parents, family worship, and active church involvement, VBS can be a useful evangelism approach for parents and grandparents. Have you registered your kids yet? What are you waiting on? Do so today: Child Registration

• Invite Others: Do you know kids who are between the ages of kindergarten and 5th Grade? Do you know neighbors, co-workers, friends who have kids? Invite them to join us. Online registration is open through Crestview’s Facebook and website.

• Serve: It is not too late to help! Among other needs, we are looking for hospitality volunteers nightly to help with campus supervision. It’s going to be great fun serving together and strengthening the bonds of community between us. Email: cole@crestviewbaptist.org

• Give: Your consistent financial support to the Crestview Ministry Budget is an important way you help make this week of ministry possible: Give Online Now.

• Pray: Please pray daily for kids, their families, and for volunteers. Ask the Spirit of God to use VBS to glorify His Name and reveal to kids (and adults!) their need to know the Lord and trust in Christ. Pray for lasting, eternal fruit.

 For His Glory,

 Pastor Thomas

[1] Answers VBS director guide (7).

Summer Psalms & SBC Annual Meeting

“To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.” Psalm 25:1

This past week my family enjoyed a brief break together. We were able to escape to Tennessee for a few days of fun together.  These kinds of breaks are incredibly vital to me and my family.  I hope you will find time to do the same this summer at some point. I’m back in the office this week and looking forward to seeing you Wednesday and Sunday.

SUMMER PSALMS

This past Sunday Cole kicked off our new sermon series – Summer Psalms. Each week through August we will be studying a different psalm. For good reason, many consider Psalms their favorite portion of Scripture. Each one expresses God-glorifying, transparent perspective on the ups and downs of living by faith in close relationship with the Lord.  

You can make the most of this series by being aware of the specific psalm to be preached each Sunday. The preaching schedule is available on sermon cards in the worship center, and it can be found in the newsletter email each week. No one should arrive for gathered worship any week unaware of what is being preached that day. Read, reread, and reflect upon the psalm leading up to the Lord’s Day. Come with a mind and heart prepared to rejoice together as we worship through the text-driven preaching of God’s Word.  This week’s text is Psalm 25, “Follow the Lord’s Paths”.

SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION ANNUAL MEETING

Next week, June 14-16, is the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. The meeting scheduled for Orlando last year was canceled due to COVID, so it has been two years since the SBC has convened. The SBC is made up of over 50,000 churches throughout the United States who share a common confession of faith and place a high priority on seeing the gospel advance in the world. Each summer these churches hold the world’s largest deliberative business meeting where messengers from local churches approve annual budgets, elect officers, and approve entity trustees (mission boards, seminaries, and agencies), hear reports, and authorize resolutions. Intermixed there is music, sermons, and a host of auxiliary gatherings. It is quite something to behold. I would encourage all church members - in particular church leaders – to make a personal goal to attending an SBC annual meeting at some point.

As a cooperating SBC church, it is my conviction that we have not only the privilege but also the responsibility to send messengers to participate. We have an obligation to supervise the use of our mission dollars. This year Cole and I and our wives will be attending. Please pray for this to be an encouraging time. Invariably I find myself encouraged in the Lord, better educated in our mission efforts around the world, and inspired by the fellowship we enjoy with like-minded churches across the country.

This meeting this year is shaping up to be one of consequence. Over 14,000 messengers are currently pre-registered, about double what is normal. The interest is due to several reasons: 1) Nashville is a popular and convenient location in the southeast, 2) it’s a SBC presidential election year with 4 announced candidates, and 3) controversial issues. One can expect to hear updates on how sexual abuse is being addressed in the SBC, social justice and critical race theory, and women preaching. While disputes and drama may make the headlines, THE most important thing that will take place next week is that we continue to fund and advancement one of the strongest, best-trained mission forces in the world. The Great Commission may not make the headlines – but it should. I hope it will. The best source of news next week related to the SBC can be found here: Baptist Press (National SBC News)

I ask for you to pray for the SBC next week. Pray that God is glorified, that believers will live in unity, that God’s Word will be loved and will drive every decision, and that the watching world will see Spirit-filled Christians model love, truth, and integrity.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Rest and Draw Near this Summer

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” -Matthew 11:28-30

Rest and Draw Near This Summer

In the early pages of Genesis, we read of the creation account of humanity. Adam and Eve are created, given the dominion mandate, and commissioned to work the Garden of Eden (Gen 1:28-29, 2:5,15). Work has always been a part of God’s good creation and design for humans; it is good and right for us to work. But, rest is also a part of God’s good design. On the seventh day of creation, we see the Lord resting after the work he had done to make the world, the Israelites are commanded to rest on the seventh day of the week, and we too are to rest (Gen 2:2, Ex 23:12). Rest and sleep are a natural part of our regular cycle, but ultimately, we find rest in the Lord, Jesus Christ, and his completed work. (Matt 11:28-30).

So, this summer, take time to rest well in Christ. Recharge and refill from the trying and difficult season we have been in over the past year. But while you rest, draw near. First, draw near to the person of Christ, lean into a deeper study of His Word, and lean into your relationship with Him. In this time of rest, embrace Christ more fully in all His glory and the depths of His riches. Second, draw near to your family. Use the extra time children have away from sports and school to engage in more family worship, connect together, and simply have fun. Lastly, draw near to your church. Lean into discipling relationships and prioritize corporate worship on Sunday. Lean into opportunities to engage people with the gospel through mission trips and events.

This summer, embrace the goodness of God-designed rest, and use this time to draw near to your family, to Christ, and to his church.

Grace to you,

Cole Barnes Worship and Families

Join us on Mystery Island this Summer!!

“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” - Matthew 19:14

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Vacation Bible School is right around the corner! The dates this year are June 27 - July 1, 6-8 pm, nightly. Notice, we are beginning VBS on a Sunday evening this year. VBS is open to children in Kindergarten - 5th Grade. There will be a nursery available for the children of VBS volunteers.

Our theme this year is Mystery Island, and our focus is seeking out the truth about the one, true, triune God of the Bible, as he has revealed himself to humanity! Each night, we will teach children about the character of God, leading up to his redemptive, unshakable love for his people. Every night will be filled with music, games, crafts, snacks, and bible lessons. But, to make this happen, we need YOU!

Whether you are a VBS veteran or a first-timer, we have a spot for you to serve. We need volunteers who are simply willing to love children and display the truth of Christ, and the light of the Gospel in word and deed. There are registration links below for both volunteers and children. Sign up to engage the next generation with the Gospel today! Volunteers, be on the lookout for emails and communication from us about VBS and training steps you may need to take to serve this year.

Whether you are able to physically serve or not, there are several things you can do to help make this VBS a success:

• Pray for the children and families that will be impacted by VBS this summer. Pray that hearts would be softened to the Gospel, that people would come to saving faith, and that the one, true God would be lifted high!

• Invite friends, family, and neighbors to come and be a part of VBS this summer. VBS is a great opportunity for children to hear the Gospel; maybe for the first time!

• Give faithfully to your church so that we can fund missional, gospel-centered events to engage our community.

Grace to you,

Cole Barnes, Worship and Families

• Child Registration

• Volunteer Registration

Important Items for Consideration from the Elders

“So I exhort the elders…shepherd the flock of God that is among you…” 1 Peter 5:1-2

This past Lord’s Day was another blessing in the life of our church. Gathering as the church family and eating the Supper together build us all up. Thank you for the positive feedback and encouragement on the Hosea series. It has been a blessing to study and preach the riches of this incredible, God-breathed prophesy. As we approach the final four chapters, pray for our continued attention to hearing, believing, and applying Hosea.

In the members meeting we received in four new Crestview members!  Welcome Reese Carroll, Emma Lael Sisler, as well as Danny and Bethany Lane.

I want to follow up on several important items the elders brought to you for consideration on Sunday. 

MOTIONS RELATED TO ELDER LEADERSHIP

The elders introduced two related motions to the church for consideration: Motions Related to Elder Leadership. The church will vote on both at a special called conference on June 27 following gathered worship.  

We are pleased to commend David Trice to you to be reaffirmed as an elder. David is a wise, biblically qualified brother who has been a faithful shepherd of this church for the past 6 years.  He and Brenda are a wonderful example of Christ-centered marriage and are encouragements to us all. We rejoice that he desires to continue serving. Please prayerfully consider this nomination. Anyone who knows of any reason David may not be biblically qualified to serve is encouraged to follow the steps set forth in the constitution and by-laws.

ELDER PAPER ON MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, AND REMAIRRIAGE

As the pastor/teachers of the church, elders are responsible to instruct the church in sound doctrine. On Sunday we presented an elder paper: On Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage; & The Meaning of “The Husband of One Wife” In Elder and Deacon Qualifications.  This paper is the culmination of several years of discussions and study. We regularly receive questions on this topic and felt this avenue was the best way to communicate clearly. While this paper is not a change to the church’s Statement of Faith, it is the opinion of the elders on how we believe the Scriptures should be applied in the arena of marriage. We hope it will provide guidance to you.  

We encourage you to read the paper meticulously and give attention to examining the Scripture references.  For further reading we recommend the following journal article: David Andrew Naselli, “What the New Testament Teaches about Divorce and Remarriage” Detroit Baptist Seminary Journal

As you can appreciate, it is impossible to anticipate every question and life situation. We welcome questions, clarifications, and constructive feedback. Our desire is to honor the Lord by helping the church to think and walk according to the Word of God.

WORSHIP CENTER PROJECT

 We are growing and feeling the pinch! Sunday you heard the exciting launch of our next major campus improvement effort: The Worship Center Project. The facility planning team and elders have developed a plan to expand the maximum seating capacity to 250 – adding 60 more seats. The Worship Center and the rest of the 1st floor, including nurseries, will receive a fresh, tasteful, contemporary update. The project cost estimate is $150k-$200k. Over the next several weeks you will be hearing more about how you can be part of making this project a reality. Please pray that we will take responsible care of the disciple making tool that is our church campus - for the glory of God’s great name!

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Reasons to Attend this Sunday

“And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples…” Acts 6:2

REASONS TO ATTEND THIS SUNDAY

There are many reasons you should be present this Sunday, but I want to encourage you with three. First, it is the Lord’s Day, and He is worthy of all worship and devotion. Your church needs your voice, service, hospitality, gifts, and involvement.  Second, we will be eating the Lord’s Supper together. Every believer who is physically able to do so should make attendance at the Lord’s table a priority. Let’s not take this lightly. Eating together as one assembly nurtures the church and is a way you continue to identify as a follower of Jesus and member of his church.

MEMBERS MEETING

The third reason to be present this Sunday is our quarterly members meeting immediately following gathered worship. When significant decisions were needed in the churches of the New Testament, the entire church was gathered to make them. Due to covid we had to postpone the February meeting, so this is our first one in six months. You will receive important updates on the life of the church, hear recommendations from the elders on several important decisions, receive new members, see others out of membership, and learn about plans to add additional seating in the worship center. If you are not present, you will miss something and we will miss you. We will move through the content as quick as reasonably possible so expect the meeting to take 30-45 minutes.

Thank you for planning ahead and being present this Sunday!

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Crestview Compassion

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

CRESTVIEW COMPASSION

Over the last couple of months, we have been updating our approach to benevolence ministry to focus more upon addressing the core issues behind needs. The biggest difference is that we have added to into our process a team of church volunteers who will conduct intake interviews and begin life coaching with those who need help. The goal is to build longer term relationships and employ evangelism and discipleship as an integral part of helping our community. The result of this is what we are calling Crestview Compassion. 

The goal of this ministry is not simply to meet a single financial need, that often is a reoccurring issue. The goal is to build relationships, help people see the root of their financial struggles, share the gospel, and fulfill the great commission through discipling these individuals. We simply have a unique opportunity, due to their situation, where people are coming to us instead of us having to go to them. There are two ways people can find help through Crestview Compassion:

1. Anyone who needs assistance can APPLY. When an application is received a series of meetings are set up with our team of trained volunteers to get to know the person, hear their story, assess the situation, and help them to identify potential solutions. Anyone inside or outside Crestview who lives in our local care may apply. If you know of someone who needs assistance, direct them to apply through the application on the Compassion page of the website.

2.  Any member who knows of a situation of need can submit a RECOMMENDATION. For example, if you know of a situation where a member of Crestview needs assistance with adoption costs - make a recommendation. Or maybe a classmate’s home burns and you’d like to assist the family with emergency assistance - make a recommendation. We want to come alongside one another to minister well in our community. Any member may make a recommendation through the Compassion page of the website.

Here is the new webpage: Crestview Compassion

The funds association with Crestview Compassion are overseen by our deacons and approvals of assistance are approved by them. Designated gifts to support this ministry are welcome.

Training is underway now. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer who assists with intake interviews and life coaching, let me know: thomas@crestvewbaptist.org.

WORSHIP CENTER SEATING

How you walk into church on Sunday makes a difference for our life in the church family. Pray about where you sit. Do you regularly consider how your seating choice impacts others? Have you noticed that when someone arrives a few minutes late they find it difficult to find a place to sit?

It is an exciting time within our church.  Every week we are seeing a steady increase in attendance. One of the ways we can serve one another is to make room for one another. Here are 3 SIMPLE TIPS for serving others in your seating selection each Sunday:

1. Sit in the balcony.

2. Sit in the front pews.

3. Sit to one side of a pew rather than the middle.

Thanks for loving one another - even in where you sit on Sundays!

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas