Each month the elders meet to encourage ourselves in doctrine and ministry, review the church’s financial status and administrative matters, and discuss care for members of the church. This month we met on Tuesday, September 10.

Pastor Pat opened in prayer thanking God for his grace and mercy and asking for wisdom for OBC ministries and for those who minister. We owe much gratitude to God that through the gospel of Jesus Christ, we have been reconciled to him and he has given us a ministry of reconciliation.

We were then encouraged as Pastor Chris took us through the final chapter of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith – “The Last Judgement.” At a time known only to God, there will be a day for a revealing of the fullness of God’s mercy to his people, but also the fullness of his just judgement toward those who do not believe. Encouraging, yet sobering.

Chris also had us consider the significance of the resurrection. For those who have been united to Christ, in the same manner that the resurrection of Christ Jesus declared his righteousness and sonship, so the resurrection of the saints will be a declaration their righteousness and sonship.

Not a righteousness in and of themselves but given to them as a gift through faith by their gracious heavenly Father on behalf of the suffering and obedience of Jesus. The Christian has already passed through the final judgement in the crucifixion of Christ and is now waiting in hope for that to be fully revealed when Christ returns (1 John 3:1-3).

The church ended the fiscal year very strong. Our budgeted net income for the year was $65,304, and we finished with an actual new income of $79,232. We praise God for the spirit of giving he has given to the body and for the ministry that flows from it.

Others matters of discussion included a review of church security and pastoral matters. Please continue to pray for both the leaders and members of Omaha Bible Church that we continue walk in wisdom and love. May the hope of eternal life and fellowship with our triune God encourage us to that end.