Money and mission

As we conclude our series on ‘Building a Passion for God’s Church’, we are grappling with two topics: money and mission. Money is subject that some churches talk about constantly, whereas others are almost embarrassed to mention. Yet when we read the Scriptures, out attitude toward money is seen as an indicator of where our heart is. We are reminded that everything we own belongs to God, and we are just stewards. We are warned of the dangers of the ‘love of money’ (1 Timothy 6). And we have models of radical generosity toward fellow believers in need (2 Cor 8 & 9).

Let me encourage you to read through 2 Corinthians 8 & 9, and note the following.

1) Give sacrificially, despite the cost (8:1-2)
2) Give generously, as much as you are able (8:3-6)
3) Excel at this gift of giving (8:7)
4) Give thankfully, motivated by the generosity and cross of Jesus (8:8-9)
5) Give realistically or proportionately, according to our means (8:10-12)
6) Give fairly, to share our prosperity more equally (8:13-15)
7) Give properly, ensuring the management of money is above reproach and carefully supervised (8:16-24)
8) Give actually, not just in theory but in practice (9:1-5)
9) Give gladly, not reluctantly but cheerfully (9:6-7)
10) Give confidently, trusting that God will increase our righteousness if we are generous (9:8-11)
11) Give glorifyingly, knowing that others will praise God for his obvious work in our lives (9:12-15)

Here at Church by the Bridge, we are entirely dependent on the generosity and gifts of our congregation to support all the ministries we are involved in. So, unlike other churches, we receive no income from property or carparks, and no external support. I do want to thank you for your generosity, and encourage you to continue to prayerfully plan your giving for 2010. 1 Corinthians 16 is a good reminder that we are give deliberately (not haphazardly). And Matt 6:1-4 encouraged us to give discreetly, rather than in a showy way! You can see the various avenues for giving on the ‘Give’ section of our website.

The topic of mission is probably more palatable. Mission is simply ‘making known by word or deed the saving work & love of our crucified and risen Lord Jesus. Mission is not just about ‘going’ overseas, rather it is seeking every opportunity to express the love of Christ, wherever you are! In his excellent book, ‘Nine Marks of a Healthy Church’, Mark Dever discusses how we should evangelize. He says:

a) Tell people with honest that if thy repent and believe they will be saved – but it will be costly
b) Tell people with urgency that if they repent and believe they will be saved – but they must decide now
c) Tell people with joy that if they repent and believe the Good News they will be saved. However difficult it may be, it is all worth it
d) Use the Bible
e) Realize that the lives of individual Christians and of the church as a whole are a central part of evangelism
f) Remember to pray!

I trust this sermon series on ‘Church’ has been challenging, encouraging and ‘mind & action’ provoking! Please pray Church by the Bridge would be a living example of what Jesus expects of his church.

With love in Him

Paul Dale
Senior Pastor