Ok, now.... Sunday I am preaching on Giving, tithing etc... from Matthew 6:1-4. So, why do pastor's struggle with preaching on this subject? Can I be honest with you? (You'll get it anyway). Perhaps for several reasons. 1. Will people think this is a clever back door way to raise money for the Church? 2. Will I make people feel guilty because they do not tithe? 3. Will visitors get a negative impression of us because the first sermon they hear is about MONEY? So, how did I manage to brave these concerns and face the issue head on. Easy! For one thing its in the text and must be mentioned. Further more, I have discovered so far in my study this week that this an exciting subject. Think about it. You love the Kingdom right? -by giving to it you get to be part of what Jesus is doing in expanding his work . You love Jesus right? -you get to express regularly your gratitude for the wonderful way he keeps providing for you. You care about what he cares about, right? -you get to share in the blessing of seeing people reached with the gospel. Suddenly tithing, and putting that little, or big bit in the offering plate each week becomes more than the mundane realization and slight satisfaction that you are helping pay the power and water bill, and helping keep the carpets clean. You do what you do out of sheer joy that all you have belongs to Jesus and you can't wait to tell Jesus by putting that envelope in the offering plate on Sunday. So, really there is no hesitation in preaching on giving! Can't wait!
See you Sunday and don't forget your check book, oops I mean bible!
Mitch A. Schultz
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Wrestling with God
Dear Brothers and Sisters
Two will be baptized during our second service this coming Sunday July 11. If you attend first service you may come celebrate with others toward the end of the second service (around 11:45 a.m.)
Been reflecting a lot on Jacob’s struggle with God from Genesis 32 for this Sunday in large part because of the baptism. (We will resume our study on Matthew 6 on giving and fasting the next week) If we are honest we would have to admit that our greatest wrestling matches don’t take place in the ring against others or even against our arch foe, Satan. The one we resist the most is the one who loves us most. His call to surrender can bring out the worst resistance in us. If you don’t believe that come to him sometime and offer him your life and full allegiance. That kind of commitment, as Jacob discovers, doesn’t come without a fight. Our innate desire for self rule and our tendency for self love will not give in that easily even to the authority of one who seeks nothing less than just to bless us. Read over Jacob’s struggle but don’t expect it to be an easy read particularly as you put yourself into the story.
Sure look forward to seeing you this Sunday,
Waiting for Him,
Pastor Mitch
Two will be baptized during our second service this coming Sunday July 11. If you attend first service you may come celebrate with others toward the end of the second service (around 11:45 a.m.)
Been reflecting a lot on Jacob’s struggle with God from Genesis 32 for this Sunday in large part because of the baptism. (We will resume our study on Matthew 6 on giving and fasting the next week) If we are honest we would have to admit that our greatest wrestling matches don’t take place in the ring against others or even against our arch foe, Satan. The one we resist the most is the one who loves us most. His call to surrender can bring out the worst resistance in us. If you don’t believe that come to him sometime and offer him your life and full allegiance. That kind of commitment, as Jacob discovers, doesn’t come without a fight. Our innate desire for self rule and our tendency for self love will not give in that easily even to the authority of one who seeks nothing less than just to bless us. Read over Jacob’s struggle but don’t expect it to be an easy read particularly as you put yourself into the story.
Sure look forward to seeing you this Sunday,
Waiting for Him,
Pastor Mitch
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