The theme of the 2024 Thank Offering in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church is “Rejoice in the Lord Always.” This declaration of the Apostle Paul from Philippians 4:4 teaches us what the posture and disposition of the Christian should be at all times. Notably, the rejoicing that the Apostle speaks of is not tied to how we feel about things going on around us personally or corporately. Rather, our rejoicing is based on our saving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God who has died for our sins and been raised for our justification.

This joy-giving good news concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ is the reason that the Orthodox Presbyterian Church sends forth the Word of God in every place (1 Thess. 1:8). We endeavor to do this with full confidence that the Lord is building his church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. In over 330 local congregations in North America and in mission stations throughout the world, Orthodox Presbyterian pastors, evangelists, and missionaries faithfully proclaim salvation in the name of Jesus, and that proclamation brings rejoicing—here and in heaven!

As a connected body, we in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church plant new churches, send and support missionaries, and publish Christian literature because of our joyful appreciation of the gift that is ours in Christ. To provide the resources to assist OPC endeavors in home and foreign missions and Christian education, the goal of this year’s Thank Offering is to raise 1.5 million dollars.

With joy in our hearts for what Jesus Christ has done for us poor sinners, let us give generously to this year’s Thank Offering. May we rejoice that we have the opportunity to spread the Word about Jesus throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, and to the ends of the earth that he might be worshiped and receive glory.

The author is editor of New Horizons and general secretary of the Committee on Christian Education. New Horizons, November 2024.