Our monthly elders meeting was held virtually on Wednesday, February 17.  We opened in prayer with thanksgiving for the gathered saints at OBC. 

Pastor Pat lead us in reading and discussing Chapter 17 of the London Baptist Confession of 1689, titled Perseverance of the Saints. I’m always impressed with how the Holy Spirit works in the church throughout history and the impact of scripture on the hearts of His people.

Paragraph 2 in this chapter says, “This perseverance of the saints depends not upon their own free will, but upon the immutability of the decree of election, flowing from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father, upon the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ and union with Him, the oath of God, the abiding of His Spirit, and the seed of God within them, and the nature of the covenant of grace, from all which arises also the certainty and infallibility thereof.” 

Pastor Pat has been preaching about God’s sovereignty in all things on Sunday mornings. Romans 8:29-30 is the unbreakable chain of salvation, “For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…and those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” What encouragement to know that our salvation and ultimate glorification does not rest on our merits. We will be preserved through faith in Christ Jesus (on the merit of His righteousness) to the end! 

Giving in January was $98,521 versus a budget of $61,002. This follows a very strong month of giving in December. Expenses for the month of January were $3,000 less than budgeted. We are very thankful for God’s provision thru your faithful giving. 

Attendance in person at one of the four Sunday morning services is trending up along with consistent numbers of people that stream service. The plan is to rollout nursery in March for the 10:30 a.m. service. Details to come. Volunteers are needed to help staff the nursery.

May God be glorified by our testimony of His grace in our lives. And may we be encouraged as we see His work building His church! 

For the OBC Elders,

Dave Guthrie