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For a 'One Anothering' outline click
here
Dear family,
What should we do in times of extreme financial concern? Just what
we have always done
–
be faithful to God and trust Him to provide for our needs.
“Whenever
God's people, in any period of the world [in good times or bad],
have cheerfully and willingly carried out His plan in systematic
benevolence and in gifts and offerings, they have realized the
standing promise that prosperity should attend all their labors just
in proportion as they obeyed His requirements. When they
acknowledged the claims of God, and complied with His requirements,
honoring Him with their substance, their barns were filled with
plenty. We don’t
serve a poor God who is in recession or depression at the moment.
We serve a God who delights to use His strength during our times of
weakness, which provides for our needs, and keeps our hope alive. We
could not imagine a better time to teach the Biblical principles of
money management and outline the steps to financial faithfulness.
Around us are people who are in great need. People with needs give
those with plenty an opportunity to express the love of God. In
Romans 15:26 Paul spoke about the generosity of the Macedonian
churches,
For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain
contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.
1 Corinthians 16:3 tells us
And when I come, whomever
you
approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem.
Paul was exhorting the Church of Corinth to follow the lead of the
Macedonia churches by sending a monetary gift to the church of
Jerusalem. Jerusalem at that time was undergoing a horrific famine.
Paul goes on to challenge the saints in Corinth by saying in
NIV 2 Corinthians 8:7 But just as you excel in everything--
in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in
your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
As you know,
the people of Haiti are suffering greatly. We can give them some
relief and at the same time share the gospel with them. This Sunday
the missions committee will have an empty box and a list of items to
buy at the grocery store for any family that would like to donate to
this cause. Fill the box with the list of items and bring the box
back to the church the following Sunday. We will send the boxes to
the Hunger Relief fund in San Antonio and they in turn will send it
to Haiti. We also will put a tract into every box. May FBCF follow
the exhortation of the apostle Paul through the inspiration of the
Holy Spirit and excel in giving!
See you Sunday
Pastor Mike
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