At His temptation in the wilderness, Jesus quoted God’s Word from Deu-


teronomy 6:13 when He said to Satan, “You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.” We are to bow before our sovereign God in our worship and service to Him alone. And, we are to make use of God’s means of grace in order that we may be prepared to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with an unbelieving world. The Book of The Acts of the Apostles is the story of the early church working to advance the gospel. The apostles went out following the com- mission given to them directly by Jesus. They were engaged in the Lord’s work in order to advance the gospel throughout an unbelieving and sinful world – much like the world we live in today. Our work, and the role that is before us today, is the same as the saints in the past – share the gospel of Jesus Christ with an unbelieving and sinful world. We must boldly and faithfully proclaim to the world the precious name of Jesus Christ as the Most High Son of God who came to save sinners. Praise God for His grace and mercy as we prepare for battle, so on that day where we will all stand before His glorious throne, we will stand united in triumph with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, praising His name for all eternity in unity and peace for the war that He has already won for us. We have a blessed responsibility before us. Scripture tells us in 1 Peter


as each of us has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stew- ards of God’s grace.” We are to be good stewards of the gifts God has given us for the glory of Jesus Christ - not to serve ourselves but instead to serve one another, and the church as the gospel is advanced in the world. Our calling and the task of the church is to “Advance the Gospel!” Through our preparations, as we confess the gospel, believe the gospel, teach the gospel, preach the gospel, and as we daily share the gospel through our work as individuals and as the church, whether through missions, church planting or whatever program, the gospel is advanced to the glory of our Almighty God. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.


Moderator & Vice-Moderator Elect


Reverend Rob Patrick was nominated by Rev. Andy Putnam. Patrick was raised in the White Oak ARP Church, SC. He has been extremely involved in First, Catawba, and Florida presby- teries serving on boards and committees. He has been vice moderator of Synod two times. He cur- rently serves as pastor of Boyce Memorial ARP Church. Rev. Jeff Kingswood seconded the mo- tion by saying, “Over 20 years I have watched Rob come to the microphone not to demonstrate power but to ask questions. He understands the functions of courts, boards, and committees. He is gifted and suited for this position.” Rev. Patrick nominated Vice Moderator Elect, Elder David Smith from First ARP Gastonia. Smith has taught Sunday School, been a member of the choir, and served on the session term after term. “He is reliable and an encourager,” Patrick said.


8


Jay Crout, Village Presbyterian Organized April 2022; Mark Forbes, Living Hope New Mission in Belmont


New Mission/Organized


Robby Bell (40 Years), John Cook (39 years), Rob- ert White (34 years), Peter Waid (32 years)


Retired Ministers


Brent Turner, Executive Director of Christian Educa- tion Ministries 16 years; Chip Smith, Synod Treasurer 28 years; Roger Wiles, Executive Director of Central Services 6 years


Special Recognitions


Tim Collins, Brian Wood, Alex Lott, David Henderson, Sean Henderson, Logan Spoon, Eric Tracy, James Ritchey, Mark Soud, Randy Lieuwen, Karl Davis


New Ministers


Moderator Bill McKay with Moderator Elect Rob Patrick.


Bobby Duran, Andrew George, Frank Heinsohn, Jack Stauffer, Ben Alexander, Michael Hunter, Ryan Gladden, Paul Lawing


Students & Licentiates The Associate Reformed Presbyterian


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