Living the Message

We are honored to have Craig submit today's blog post:

"I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it is not the answer." - Jim Carrey

Today's sermon followed on the heals of last week's discussion on the financial growing pains that face a church plant such as MCC. Today Pastor Henry focused on why God calls us to give, referencing Malachi 3:6-12.

1 - God wants us to be Secure (3:6)
- Our culture teaches us the exact opposite - security comes with holding on - and we fear the dependence that would come with giving. But God is calling us to trust in him and trust that by giving he will provide. Pastor Henry challenged us to a test: How do we feel when we give?

2 - God wants us to experience peace and blessing (3:10)
- Consider the recent bailouts occurring with various financial institutions. Do the people involved - on either side - look like they are at peace about what is happening much less that it's a blessing on what's going on? By giving without fear, God will bless us and God will provide for our security.

3 - God wants his kingdom to expand (3:12)
-Imagine if every believer gave 10% of what is theirs (tithe comes from the Old English teogoþa which means tenth) - what could we accomplish? One example comes to my mind: Rather than expect governments to care for and provide for the poor which historically means the poor simply become enabled, the church (as in the body of Christ) could easily empower those who are less fortunate to learn new skills and take that burden away allowing governments to govern rather than be providers. That's just one example - what do you imagine the church could become?

Pastor Henry closed by reminding us that giving (tithing) is not an old testiment idea - Paul mentions giving in 2 Corinthians 8:7 and 9:6-7. Paul is daring the believers in Corinth to give - so...will you take the dare?

Cathy answers as follows:

God has given me a great educational background. He knows I want to help people and He has given me the tools to do it. Sometimes though, I am distracted by the way people perceive lawyers/successful women and that intimidates me into NOT becoming more involved as an attorney. God is daring me now to step out in faith, and to use what He has given me. Ultimately, that will enable me to return more to Him, both through my tithe and my service to others.

As a church body, we are facing a challenge to support ourselves financially in the upcoming year. The staff and the Vision Team need us all to spend time in prayer and in God's word as we look at what kind of support we can give MCC. Please use this as a guide and let us know what thoughts you're having in the comment section.

Monday, 9/22: Where did this idea of offering start? Leviticus 23:9-14; Proverbs 3:9-10.

Today, Pastor Amy talked about the Last Supper which we read about in Luke 22:7-27. Jesus has what will be His last meal with the disciples before He goes on to suffer and complete God's will for Him on earth. At this very special meal together, the disciples once again begin to argue about which one of them is considered the greatest. Jesus says that He is among them as One who serves.

The thing that sets Christians apart as volunteers is their motive to serve. We hopefully don't do it to embellish our resumes or to look good, but rather we do it out of gratitiude for what Jesus has already done for us.

Question of the Week: Would you rather serve or be served? What experience has been the most rewarding for you?