CCC Gainesville | Blog
Giving is an act of personal worship to God in response to his grace. Therefore, generosity should mark all aspects of a Christian’s life. However, God prioritizes the church over everything else: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10). Furthermore, the Church is the only community established by God—through which all aspects of his kingdom are to be lived out. At Christ Community this means our budget goes to: teaching and worship, the financially and socially marginalized, church planting, the deepening of community through Community Groups, administration, counseling, cultural renewal, and many other areas. So, if you consider Christ Community Church your home church, then you should be allocating most of your tithe and offering to the community where you invest most of your time and talent—and where others are investing in you. After supporting the work of your local church, you should give generously to all people—particularly those who are intentionally promoting the work of God’s kingdom.
(3 of 5, from City Church Philly)
Bruce Metzger, one of the last century’s leading scholars of the New Testament canon, observed, “neither individuals nor councils created the canon; instead they came to recognize and acknowledge the self-authenticating quality of these writings, which imposed themselves as canonical upon the church”
William Barclay put it more succinctly: “It is the simple truth to say that the New Testament books became canonical because no one could stop them doing so.” And this, in the end, is because Jesus’ sheep do hear His voice.
One of the joys of being called to serve God and advance His mission in Gainesville is the privilege of having members like Vinnie Athey. And he could use your help.
VINNIE NEEDS A SWEET DEAL ON A NEWER CAR. Something under 7k.
Know anything?
Contact Vinnie at
Vinnie.athey AT ruf DOT org
He’s the guy in maroon Virginia Tech sweater below–with his table posse @ GraceCon2013
Q: How can we glorify God?
A: We glorify God by enjoying him, loving him, trusting him, and obeying his will, commands, and law.
What does it mean to glorify something or someone? Merriam-Webster defines glorify as bestowing honor, praise or admiration on someone or something. In this week’s New City Catechism video, Joshua Harris suggests that we all know how to glorify. We do it everyday. We tell everyone about how the iPhone 5 has this cool panoramic feature, or we tell them about how the latest blockbuster is worth the $10. We praise sermons, books and television. We show off our new clothes, cars and gadgets. We praise our husbands and wives. We brag about our children’s accomplishments.
Why do we glorify God? Because he created us, the shining star of his creation, to glorify him. He built the intriguing world around us, making all things for his glory. And when we were still sinners, God sent his only Son to die for us. There is no one and no thing that is more worthy of our praise. So how can we display that glory? Take time this week to consider how you give glory to things you care about. Harris suggests that one of the most powerful ways we can give glory to God is by obeying him. When we obey joyfully, it shows God (and others) that we love him and trust his plan for our life. We do it because we know he loves us despite our actions and intentions, and this truth causes our love for him to grow. We will mediate on this week’s catechism together on Sunday!
This is week 6 of 52 catechism readings from New City Catechism. Christ Community is reciting an entry from the catechism each Sunday in 2013.
While stewardship certainly includes much more than money, it does not exclude it. In the Old Testament, believers were required to give a tenth of their income to support the Temple and the needs of the poor. While the New Testament does not teach at length on the subject of tithing, Jesus encourages people to continue this Old Testament practice (Matt. 23:23). The Church is told that they should give as they are “able and even beyond (their) ability” (2 Corinthians 8:3). Jesus himself teaches that his disciples’ relationship to wealth should be far more radical and generous than that of the Old Testament. He reminded his followers that God was “pleased to give them the kingdom” which, Jesus says, should liberate us to “sell your possessions and give to the poor…For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:33-34). Therefore, a tithe (10%) is seen as a minimum guideline of giving for those of us who have been “given the kingdom.” Of course, there are seasons to economic life that sometimes strain a Christian’s ability to give. In many cases, good planning over time will be necessary to move our giving into Biblical proportions without reneging on legal and personal financial obligations.
(2 of 5 from City Church, Philadelphia PA)
