Grace and peace to my beloved brothers and sisters at Fairview Baptist Church. I bring you greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the one who loves us and gave his life for us. He is the great sovereign king who is building his church for our good and his glory.
My heart is full of joy as I hear of your steadfastness and love for the Lord Jesus. God is sanctifying you and the gospel is going forth from you. For this reason, I rejoice and thank God daily for you. I have received many letters from you and they have nourished my soul and magnified Christ in my heart. And your prayers for my joy amidst suffering have been answered by a merciful God. I rejoice that Christ is shown to be worthy and magnified above all earthly joys and comforts in my affliction. I rejoice that the gospel is reaching the ears of fellow prisoners – sinners so broken by sin, so needy for Christ. I rejoice that many have grown bold to make the name of Christ known. I rejoice that many have seen and heard of your love for my family and one another. The prisoners here have never heard or experienced such love that we have for each other – it draws them to see the loveliness of Christ. I rejoice that the testing of your faith has made known the value of Christ, the beauty of his church, and has increased to the glory of God. I rejoice that through this time of sifting in the church, you have passed the test.
I hope to join you soon. But in my absence continue to abound in prayer, thanksgiving, courage, and strive for holiness. Let us be purged from sinful desires that ensnare, and may God give us hearts that long to be like Christ as we live in this world of sin.
Treasure Christ today, brothers and sisters. He is a mighty savior. He is our shepherd and guide. He commissioned Moses through the burning bush. He was the rock in the wilderness that gave them living water. He was the one with Joshua during the conquest. He defeated the Assyrian army in Hezekiah’s day. He was with Daniel in Babylon. He came, died, and rose, making his salvation and glory known, and at his ascension promised that he would always be with us. Christ is with you today. Christ is with me. Our bread from heaven, our living water, Christ is our treasure and joy. We lack nothing and are more than conquerors in him. May he receive the worship due his name in your holy assembly.
Greet one another with holy affection. Welcome also my brother and fellow laborer, Jacob, and his wife.
Christ is worthy.
Pastor Tim.