THE VISION AT HAND

Paul in Acts 26 speaks about the vision that Jesus gave him during his conversion on the road to Damascus. He says right in the middle of the day, a blaze of light, light outshining the sun, poured out of the sky on him and his companions. Then Jesus spoke and gave him his heavenly vision.

“But, now up on your feet  for I have appeared to you for this purpose…  I’m sending you off to open the eyes of the Gentiles so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light; see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I’m sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting the Gentiles into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.”  (Acts 26:16-18

We, too, have been called to embrace this same heavenly vision. There is a method to implementation. As we enter a new year, we step by faith to a vision with the following pathways;

1. Bible-based, God-centered, Christ-exalting, gospel-focused and grace-filled ministry with children

 

2. Bible-based, God-centered, Christ-exalting, gospel-focused and grace-filled ministry with youth and young adults.

3. Bible-based, God-centered, Christ-exalting, gospel-focused and grace-filled family ministries

 

4. Bible-based, God-centered, Christ-exalting, gospel-focused and grace-filled ministry  with senior members of our church community

5. Bible-based, God-centered, Christ-exalting, gospel-focused and grace-filled ministry of the Word

6. Bible-based, God-centered, Christ-exalting, gospel-focused and grace-filled center of ministry if necessary

 

In Luke 4 Jesus announced his ministry. He invited us to imagine the poor full of good news, the captives released, the blind seeing and the oppressed set free. In the sermon in the Mountain, he described a vision in which the poor and the mournful and the meek and the hungry and the merciful and the pure in heart and the peacemakers and even the persecuted are blessed. In his teaching and parables he described a vision in which those who follow him turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, love the enemy, forgive one another, do to others what they like done to them.

Jesus calls us to open the eyes of those who live in darkness, despair and doubt so they can see the difference between dark and light. So they can choose light. We, too, have been commissioned to “proclaim the mighty acts of Jesus who calls us out of darkness into his marvelous light.”  (I Peter 2:9).

Tithe

Is there anyone who cannot afford to lower his standard of living by 10%?

This is NOT an honest question. The real questions are:

1. Am I willing to live on less to honor the Lord with the FIRST ten percent of all my income?
2. Am I willing to overcome pride and let the word, pastoral leadership and financial advisers help me?
3. Am I willing to see all of my money as belonging to the Lord and this first ten percent as just the first step of trusting God to be my provider

In  I Timothy chapter 6 Apostle Paul discusses the root issue of money. He tells Timothy that if  doesn’t win the battle here he would not win any other.

Jesus in his life showed a more excellent way of living on 10% and giving 90%.

There is a mid-point between poverty doctrine and prosperity doctrine. There is a midpoint between communism and capitalism. There is a midpoint between poverty and riches. There is a midpoint between having it all and owning nothing. Christian faith is call to be in that delicate mid-point unless you are single and have not to worry about your children.

God wants us to enjoy the provision that he places in your life. He wants each one  to prosper in career, walk with God, single life, married life, the raising of children, the taking good care of parents, the poor, community and world.

Doing all this involves money, and wherever money is involved, there is a spiritual warfare. Apostle Paul taught that as soon as you are born again, the greatest spiritual warfare you will ever face is money! Money is  the reason for mental strain, divorce, suicide and etc. Money is a huge battle.

Mark 8:16 – 17….. Jesus says… what good is it for a man to gain the whole world?

GOD’s WORD says I’ve got this system – VOLUNTARY 10% REDUCTION IN YOUR STANDARD OF LIVING !

God’s plan is for each person to voluntarily lower their standard of living by 10%. Is there anyone who cannot afford to lower his standard of living by 10%? God could have asked for 50% but he asked for 10%? 10% is easy … the rest is for you to enjoy……..

“Christ likeness”

Ephesians 1:9-10 reads;

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.

God desires to bring the living Christ into each of us as individuals  to conform us to the “image” of Christ. As Christ-filled individuals, we can transform the church and our society in order to advance the kingdom of God. We cannot see Christ corporately manifested in the church and our society until we as individuals embrace true “Christ likeness”

PRAYER

A new school year, a new beginning. Whether our children are just starting kindergarten, entering high school, or leaving the nest for college, our hearts and hopes go with them. We invite you to bless your child with this prayer.

Dear God bless all children  (or adults) going back to school this new school year.

Give them inquiring minds and discerning hearts. Give them courage to persevere in all they undertake. Give them the gift of joy and wonder in all things.

Give them laughter and love to share with all. Give them protection and safety as they move out of our  embrace. And give them sure and certain knowledge of your unfailing love.

Amen.

Faithfullness

Jesus tells us in John 16:10-12

“Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own?