Been a super busy week this week, so I haven't devoted time to the Intersection. But I have made a decision, after much encouragement from others, TO REOPEN COMMENTS on this Blog. I believe the time is right to do this, especially in light of the fact that we are breaking new ground at Crossroads in the area of generosity, and what the church has traditionally been willing to say about it. You probably want - and need - to weigh in on the subject.
For too long, the message concerning giving (specifically financial giving and generosity in general) from the pulpit of many churches has been couched in...well...the couch. The message has been dumbed down and designed to make sure that no one is challenged or offended (God forbid you should challenge or offend anyone - they might stop giving, and pastors the world over might have to actually trust God for their salaries and benefits), leaving many of us thinking that what Jesus is really interested in is you and I signing a check while keeping the actual needs of actual people at arms length.
The message of the Gospel has always represented danger to the status quo. We're gonna dig into that a bit on Sunday at Crossroads...
As far as comments go, please keep them on point. Anyone who makes it personal, or attacks someone else will be banished. Other than that...you are free to say what you will.
A couple of other quick notes:
- Don't forget about our NEXT STEPS class for new believers or those returning to the faith. This Sunday, November 15th at 4:30 PM at the Annex. Maybe it's not for you, but for someone else. Make sure you let THEM know about it.
- We're still taking donations for our Thanksgiving feed at the Annex. There's a list and a sign up to help in the Cinema lobby. If you have any questions, see Rhonda Childers or Sherry DeCesare on Sunday. There will be a meeting at the Annex for Thanksgiving Outreach volunteers on Saturday November 21st at 10AM at the Annex. As always, you can drop donations off on Sunday at the Cinema, or any day during the week at the Annex. We are also happy to receive your financial donations to help fund this event.
- Make sure you check out Denise Bradberry's special 3-part segment 'Digital Aging' on WTVY Wed, Thur, Fri of this week. (I think the segment with me and Leslie is tonight).
I've got a TON of stuff to get finished before Sunday, so if we don't see one another before then...have a GREAT weekend, enjoy the beautiful weather, ROLL TIDE and see you at Crossroads on Sunday morning for the final part of ALL IN!!
I get your first comment yay!!!
ReplyDeletethank you for reopening them
I promise to abuse the privilege! ;)
I think Luke Chapter 6 has some powerful things to say about giving. Money is probably what Jesus is talking about in 6:38 when He says "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." But if we take this verse out of context we might miss our Lord's focus on giving things of higher value than money. Jesus began this teaching in 6:27 with a focus on giving love to our enemies, good deeds to those who hate us, pray for those who only use us. Jesus talked about how we should be willing to take abuse from others; to "give" them mercy and forgiveness instead of retribution. Jesus went on to say we should give to anyone who asks of us, and give them more than they asked for. If some rude and hateful guy wants my favorite shirt, Jesus suggests I should give it to him, and throw in the leather Harley jacket as well. If I'm going to do what Jesus said to do, does it matter if the guy doesn't ask me politely? Jesus says if someone takes what is mine I should just let it go, and not fight (or take them to court) to get it back. He also makes a deep statement in 6:31, about doing to others as we want them to do to us (the implication here, from my view anyway, is that when--not if--I mess up and hurt someone in life, I'm going to need mercy. If I'm not a "giver" can I expect to be a "receiver?" But praise God that if I'm a "giver" of the good treasures in my heart, I can expect that people will give to me (mercy, forgiveness, patience, kindness, shirts, coats, maybe even some money to pay the bills when my family falls on hard times) "...good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over [for to the extent that I give, it shall be given back to me]. There's a lot of opportunity to be a "giver" that goes beyond our checkbooks. Giving time to those who need our time; giving an ear to those who need someone to listen; giving respect to someone who seems to be lower than we might see ourselves; giving patience and mercy to those who fail to meet our standards of performance and behavior. Giving money, time, and talent, to a ministry we believe in, because we have faith that God will use it to bless others. Just some food for thought on giving. Thanks for the opportunity to engage in some meaningful discussion.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jim! Not only was that a GREAT comment, and "right on the money", but it's right in the middle of our next series "Pay It Forward". We're going to take up residence for 3 weeks in Luke 6. Awesome!!
ReplyDelete