When we say Here, Now, and Forever, I know what you’re wondering—is this a campaign, an initiative, a sermon series? And the answer is yes.

For the next few weeks, we’re stepping into a season where we’re asking the Lord to use First Baptist Church to make a real impact in Mooresville—not to make much of our church, but to make the name of Jesus famous and to advance the Kingdom of God.

What We Mean by Here, Now, and Forever

Here means our community—your neighborhood, your school, your workplace, your family. This isn’t something distant or abstract. It’s right where we live.

Now means urgency. Eternity hangs in the balance. We don’t have time to drift or delay. God is saving and changing lives right now.

Forever means we want to be part of something bigger than us—something that outlasts us. One day careers fade, bodies weaken, and even churches close their doors. But the Kingdom of God endures forever.

That’s why this matters.

“For His Name’s Sake”

Psalm 23 is one of the most loved passages in the Bible, and one phrase unlocks the whole thing:

“He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

Psalm 23:3

God provides. God leads. God comforts. But not because we’re impressive—because He is. It’s not about making our name great. It’s about His name.

That’s the heartbeat of this entire season: not First Baptist’s name—Jesus’ name.

The Kingdom Comes First

Jesus talked about the Kingdom more than anything else, and He said it plainly:

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Matthew 6:33

If we want peace, joy, and contentment—if we want to live in the “green pastures” and “still waters” of Psalm 23—then the order matters: the Kingdom first.

And the book of Acts makes this clear. It begins with Jesus teaching about the Kingdom:

“…speaking about the kingdom of God.”

Acts 1:3

And it ends with Paul preaching the Kingdom:

“…proclaiming the kingdom of God… with all boldness and without hindrance.”

Acts 28:30–31

The church is God’s tool to expand His Kingdom. The church is not the finish line—the Kingdom is.

Philippi Shows Us How Kingdom Work Happens

One of the clearest pictures of Kingdom-minded generosity is the church at Philippi. They didn’t just exist to take care of themselves—they partnered with Paul to advance the gospel.

“It was kind of you to share my trouble… no church entered into partnership with me… except you only.”

Philippians 4:14–15

Their giving wasn’t just financial—it was spiritual. Paul calls their gift:

“A fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.”

Philippians 4:18

And then comes the promise we all quote:

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:19

But notice: that promise comes after a people chose to trust God and live with open hands.

Our Ask: Pay Off the Debt So We Can Fund the Mission

So here’s what I’m asking our church family to prayerfully consider.

Right now, we have close to $300,000 in debt, and we’re asking God to help us pay it off in the next six weeks leading up to Easter.

We want to be a church that gives more—not just locally, but globally. We want to be a church where 10% of everything that comes in goes directly to missions. We’re close, but debt limits our ability to send, serve, and sacrifice the way we want to.

And I’ve been proud of this church—membership growth, baptisms, generosity, and ministry impact. God is moving. We’re not asking for this because we want to build our name. We’re asking because we want more freedom to fund what God is doing here, now, and forever.

A Challenge to Our Church Family

Some of you don’t tithe—not because you don’t love Jesus, but because you haven’t trusted Him in this area. You trust Him with salvation, but not with your finances.

This isn’t “give so you can get more stuff.” God isn’t needy.

We give because we need deeper dependence on Him. We give because we believe the Kingdom is the only thing that lasts. And we give because God uses generosity to fuel gospel advancement.

So here’s the invitation:

• If you don’t give regularly, start. Put your “yes” on the table.
• If you already tithe, would you consider giving above and beyond for these six weeks—15%, 20%, or a sacrificial one-time gift—designated to Here, Now, and Forever?

Can you imagine stepping into Easter with a church that’s freer to send, freer to serve, and freer to invest in ministry and missions—because the burden of debt has been lifted?

Not to make much of First Baptist. But to make much of Jesus.

“To our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Philippians 4:20