We were introduced to the inspiration behind the “Chest of Joash” offering on Sunday, December 1st, 2024 when Pastor Josh preached from 2 Chronicles 24:1-14. In that message, we learned about King Joash’s vision to restore and repair the Temple of the Lord. If you understand the context of that passage then you know the Temple meant more to Joash than perhaps anyone else in Israel because God used the Temple to literally save Joash’s life. Joash was born into a dysfunctional family. For example, after learning of her own son’s death Joash’s grandmother declared herself queen and ordered the murder of her own grandchildren to prevent them from competing with her for the throne. To spare his life Joash was hidden as a baby in the Temple and was cared for by Jehoiada the priest. Naturally, Joash never forgot how the Lord used the Temple to change the trajectory of his life. Therefore, Joash was determined to do whatever it would take to preserve the House of God for generations to come. He wanted to make sure the Temple would be there to bless others as much as it had blessed him. With that said, in 2 Chronicles 24:1-14 Joash challenged Israel in least four ways.

  • He challenged them to consider the evaluation. Vs. 4
  • He challenged them to embrace the vision. Vs. 5-7
  • He challenged them to support the collection. Vs. 8-12
  • He challenged them to complete the restoration. Vs. 13-14

Likewise, we have a responsibility as a congregation to preserve the House of God for future generations. If we are saved then the House of God (a.k.a. “The Church”) should mean as much to us as the Temple meant to Joash in the Old Testament. If we are saved then we should want to ensure that East Barbourville Baptist Church is strategically positioned to be a continued blessing in the community where she was planted more than sixty years ago. In order for that to happen our congregation must accept the fourfold challenge found in 2 Chronicles 24:1-14.

  • Consider the Evaluation:
    • We will eliminate deferred maintenance issues.
    • We will be able to provide better facility security.
    • We will be offer to offer facilities that are user friendly.
    • We will be able to increase capacity in the sanctuary and classrooms.
  • Embrace the Vision:
    • The following examples demonstrate why it is vitally important that we as the body of Christ “Embrace a Shared” vision.
    • Wasted Opportunity: The Children of Israel wasted forty years of wilderness wandering because they were led by fear instead of faith.
    • Wonderful Occasion: When Nehemiah led Israel to rebuild the walls of the city and to restore its gates they were able to complete the work in just “52 days.” Why? Because the people had a mind to work!
  • Support the Collection:
    • There are two ways you can support the collection:
      • Ask the Lord how much your household should give as a one-time gift to the “Chest of Joash” offering on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025. (No gift is too small.)
      • Ask the Lord how much your household should commit to giving over the next three years on an ongoing basis either weekly, monthly, or annually. (Note: This is above and beyond what you are already giving to the tithe and offering.)
      • Our goal is to raise $525,000 by the time we break ground on this project.
      • You can give your gift using the “Chest of Joash” offering envelopes or you can use the link below to give securely online.
      • https://app.easytithe.com/App/Giving/ebbc
      • Note: Select “Building Fund” from the drop-down menu. You can also choose to give a one-time gift or you can set up a recurring gift if you prefer.
  • Complete the Restoration:
    • Newly relocated and remodeled educational space with a dedicated Children’s Ministry wing and a total of fifteen large classrooms.
    • Newly relocated and rebuilt Sanctuary with increased seating capacity, conference room, nursery, kingdom kidz area, kitchen, and restrooms, and office spaces.
    • The Architect Concepts are provided in the images below. (Interior floor plan, Front Exterior, and Side Exterior).