The elders of Omaha Bible Church gathered for their monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 21, 2020. We opened our meeting with a reading and discussion of the London Baptist Confession of 1689, Chapter 13: Of Sanctification.

We were encouraged to be reminded that through union with Christ, the effectual calling of God, and the regeneration of the Spirit, believers have been gifted with a new heart and a new spirit “through the virtue of Christ’s death and resurrection.” Believers undoubtedly and most assuredly will continue to be sanctified, the power of sin mortified, and lusts weakened by the indwelling ministry of God’s Word and Spirit.

In other words, due to the power of the Word and Spirit through the resurrected ministry of Christ, believers delight in obedience and submission to their heavenly King Jesus. Christ’s subjects live on earth with an eternal mindset, a heavenly citizenship, loving “the commands which Christ as Head and King, in His Word hath prescribed them (Romans 7:23; Romans 6;14; Ephesians 4:15-16; and 2 Corinthians 7:1).  

We continued our discussion by reviewing the financial reports for the month of September. Attendance averaged 307 in September. We praise the Lord that so many were able to hear the clear exposition and teaching of God’s Word concerning the goodness of God’s salvation offered in Christ as well as be encouraged and edified through the ministry of the body. 

Total general fund giving for September was $74,238 towards our budgeted expenses of $57,863. We are grateful for the Lord’s continued provision both spiritually and physically within His local body. We are reminded that “from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen” (Romans 11:36). 

The elders discussed the ministry opportunities that the Lord has graciously entrusted to OBC. We discussed a number of new applicants for membership. We rejoice that the Lord is working to add to the number of OBC members, believers who have expressed a desire to join us in the partnership of the ministry of the gospel for both the defense and the promotion of the saving work of Jesus for sinners.

Furthermore, with partnership in mind, Andrew Meyer is OBC’s newest Ministry Intern. He will be serving alongside the pastors in a mentorship and training program focused on equipping believers for ministry leadership. In fulfillment of his internship, Andrew is providing pastoral leadership for the high school student ministry, leading a discipleship group, as well as reading, reviewing, and applying key books and journals specific to pastoral ministry and Christian doctrine.

Charles Spurgeon noted over a century and a half ago that a theologian is one who understands the Law (what God requires) and Gospel (what God provided through Jesus), so we desire to see ministry leaders who not only understand the Law and Gospel distinction but are adept at applying Law and Gospel to the complex issues of life and ministry. Praise God for blessing the body with gifted leaders who love Christ, His Word, and His people.

Indeed, these are exciting days for OBC. We rejoice that we can be in partnership together with each of you in the advancement of the gospel in Omaha and around the globe. Our hearts echo Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1:4-5, “always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.”  

On behalf of the elders,

Chris Peterson