Happy New Year

First Family,

I hope that you have had a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. We had an amazing time of worship on Christmas Eve, and it was wonderful to see so many people join us. Across the three services, there were over 1,700 attendees, making it the highest attendance we have seen in 2023. It's clear that God is moving at First Baptist and drawing people closer to Him. I'd like to encourage you to keep praying for your church, asking God to help it continue to thrive and reach its full potential in 2024.

Prayer will be essential for us in 2024 as we lean into several key opportunities. This year we are working on filling our remaining staff positions in worship and student ministries. We are also dedicating a significant amount of time and effort to reviewing our 4 constitutional partnerships (Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist General Association of Virginia, Baptist World Alliance, and Northstar Church Network). We are looking at the partnerships and prayerfully seeking who will best come alongside us for the next 10 years to fulfill the vision that the Lord has for our church.

I would like to share a statement that has been on my mind.

“New Year, Same God”

It is a simple yet powerful truth that has been on my mind. That brief statement reminds me of the beautiful scripture in Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” With changes happening so rapidly, it's amazing to remember that God remains the same! He doesn't adjust to fit the times, and His Word doesn't change based on societal or cultural pressures. God doesn't have to campaign for political power because He is the ultimate authority as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!" He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So, too, has the mission and vision for the church. It has not changed. We are to be a “city on top of a hill,” “a light unto the nations,” “a witness to the Gospel truth.” While some things have changed the main thing has not. Jesus is Lord, and we are seeking to tell the world the good news about Jesus Christ.

Starting this Sunday, we will embark on a new sermon series exploring the book of Nehemiah. This book tells the story of God's people coming together to carry out His work. I strongly believe that delving into this book will provide us with an excellent opportunity to begin the new year by answering God's call to come together and accomplish the work He has for First Baptist Church in the upcoming year.

These are exciting days, and I am glad that you are part of the First Family.

Happy New Year!
Pastor Robert