Periodicals Postage Paid Baptist Messenger Special Edition for 225 First Ave SW Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401 580-223-1473 www.fbcardmore.org November 20, 2014 First Baptist Church From the Pastor’s Point of View MUCH IS REQUIRED In Luke 12:48 Jesus said, “...to whom much is given, much is required...” Every year at budget time I usually preach some sermons on the subject of giving. I always tell you I pray for God to bless the givers. Why? Because they are the ones who do the giving. But I find myself asking this question, “Is our giving staying up proportionally with God’s blessing? God measures our faithfulness not just by what we give, but by what we have left in our hands. In other words, a tithe will not be enough for some while it may be far too much for others. When was the last time you went beyond your tithe for God? When was the last time you gave God a raise? We are coming into the last six Sundays of 2014. Our endings have been great over the last several years. In order to have a great ending, we must have great givers. I believe we do. I also believe you will give under God’s direction to the budget and to the Lottie Moon offering for International Missions. Pray about your giving to God’s work. Then, give generously as God leads. Bro. Alton JOIN US FOR OUR MONTH LONG CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION BEGINNING DECEMBER 7 The Keenage Choir will be presenting their Christmas musical, “The First Noel: Celebrating the Birthday of a King,” during the morning worship services. During the evening worship service, we will have a magnificent Christmas celebration focused on missions. We will also acknowledge and celebrate our church’s 125th birthday. There will be an all-church fellowship following the evening service. BUSINESS MEETING There will be a business meeting held on Sunday, November 23, at 7:00 p.m. to vote on the budget and the Committee on Committees recommendation for 2015. IMB MISSIONARIES SUNDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 30 Greg and Shawn Idell are missionaries who have been serving in Chile through the International Mission Board and are currently living in our mission house while on furlough. They will be bringing the evening message on November 30. There will no activities Wednesday evening, November 26. The church offices will be closed the afternoon of Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28. JOSHUA CODE SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” Matthew 6:9