Execute

What if John 3:16 read as follows?

“For God so loved the world that He [thought about giving] His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

What if God thought about it but never acted on His love? In His omniscience it was clear that the requirement for a sinless sacrifice could only be satisfied by Jesus. In His divine and infinite love His intentions were perfect—His love was clear. And certainly His omnipotence held undiminished power to bring it all about. It was a priority, a “big rock.” But imagine that somehow on the divine “To Do List,” the incarnation of the Son of God simply got displaced by immediate matters, and the plan was never executed? Then where would we be?

Aren’t you thankful that God acted on His love and executed His plan?

After reading the Caring.com 2024 Wills Survey results, I was concerned by their findings: only 32 percent of adult Americans have executed a will. That’s less than one in three. This means that state laws will determine how their assets are distributed, which can be a contentious and costly process. If that statistic is true of Christ’s followers, more than two-thirds will miss the opportunity to promote the gospel, because those laws will never provide gifts to the church or other ministries.

As the new year unfolds, let me encourage you to create your estate plan. It may be simple or complex, but resolve to act until it is accomplished. If you already have a will, please review it and verify that you still agree with its provisions. While evaluating your directives, be sure to consider gifts to your local church and to other ministries that will continue to accelerate the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ until He returns!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son...”

Execute.

It’s a matter of stewardship. Like the impact of the gospel, your legacy has eternally significant potential.

Written by Steve Brennecke. Steve serves as the CEO of the Baptist Mid-Missions Foundation and as BMM’s director of Stewardship Ministries.

stewardship.ministries@bmm.org

440-826-3930

giftplanning.bmm.org

A Gift That Pays You Back

With a gift annuity, you receive a double benefit:
impacting missions and receiving lifelong income.

Through BMM Foundation’s Memorial Fund, you can give a lasting legacy by donating in memory of a loved one or in honor of a special occasion. Gifts made to the Memorial Fund are invested and are used to provide services to missionaries, churches, and ministry partners.

Robert and Lena Meyer
Mr. and Mrs. William O. Bybee

In Stewardship Ministries, we stand ready to assist you as you make your estate plan. Questions? Email us at stewardship.ministries@bmm.org or call us at 440-826-3930.