Dear Westminster Family:
I love this instruction from the Apostle Paul about the importance of developing a life of sacrificial service and generosity.
“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God is a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written… ‘He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.’
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God…Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” (II Corinthians 9:6-15)
Paul makes it very clear that it is impossible to “out-give” God as evidenced by the incalculable gift of Jesus’ sacrifice for our salvation. For us as believers, all of our expressions of thanksgiving should flow from hearts transformed by this amazing gift. It is my prayer that you will spend this weekend celebrating both the Giver and his gift.
This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent. I will begin a new series entitled, “From God’s House to Your House.” Over the weeks leading up to Christmas, we will focus our attention on the impact of the incarnation on human history as well as your personal history. We begin this week with a message that I have entitled, “The King in a Manger.” I trust that you will join with us for a time of inspiration and instruction.
See you in church.
Pastor Gary