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Joyful Giving - Sermon 10-27-19
"GIVE TO THE MOST HIGH as he has given to you, and as generously as you can afford. For the Lord is the one who repays, and he will repay you sevenfold. Do not offer him a bribe, for he will not accept it; and do not rely on a dishonest sacrifice; for the Lord is the judge, and with him there is no partiality. He will not show partiality to the poor; but he will listen to the prayer of one who is wronged. He will not ignore the supplication of the orphan, or the widow when she pours out her complaint." Sirach 35:12-17 1) Why do we give? Giving is an act of worship to become more like him and to participate in God's work to grow his kingdom. "Give to the Most High as he has given to you." 2) What do we give? We give ourselves--our time, talent and treasure. This declares to God: We value you! 3) How do we give? We give generously, faithfully, and joyfully! So here's your assignment. Consider giving on a percentage basis. Start with any percentage and build your testimony from there.
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READ ALL OF COLOSSIANS IN ONE SITTING Paul was so very grateful for the faith and love of the Colossians (see Colossians 1:3-4). And having heard of the heresies being taught to them (all paths lead to God, secret knowledge, the need to measure up, etc.), he listed his prayers for their spiritual wisdom and understanding, for increasing in knowledge, and for being strengthened in all power for all endurance and patience with joy and thanksgiving (v 9-14). Then Paul makes clear how to identify all counterfeit teachings: study the original, the FOUNDATION of our faith--WHO CHRIST IS. Let's all get our Jesus right by reading Colossians 1:15-20, http://bit.ly/32TGjiS Then go the extra mile with this week's spiritual assignment: Read all of Colossians (4 chapters) in one sitting. In the file below you'll find the handouts from Sunday, July 21, which include: 1) Who is Christ (7 characteristics) 2) The Colossian Heresy 3) Colossians Megathemes 
 On Ascension Sunday, Fr. Jack reminded us that Jesus’ ascension into heaven means there is now a man in heaven. He’s physically there. He sat down at the right hand of God, giving him authority (Mark 16:19). And it gets better. After he left, he sent the Holy Spirit so he could be with all of us at once—to guide and comfort us as he had done in person (Luke 24:49). But wait, there’s more. Jesus is praying for us, interceding for us (Romans 8:34)! What do you think he’s praying for you right now?
Epiphany scripture readings remind us of the many ways Christ was revealed as the light of the world. As you read scripture and as you move through your days, look for all the ways Jesus is shining out. To get in the groove, consider the magi following the star; Jesus changing water to wine at the wedding; and Jesus reading and fulfilling prophecy when he read Isaiah from the scroll in the synagogue. And ask yourself:
Advent Devotions: Participate in the daily Advent devotions written by the clergy of our Kern Deanery. Access them below as a PDF or receive them daily on our Facebook page.
 For the month of November: Stewardship Pledges Prayerfully make your pledge to God alone in each substantial category of your life: Time, Talent, and Treasure. Correspondingly, make your requests known to Him, pledging in faith and asking in faith. In this manner we will engage with God and the principle of stewardship. We will "put Him to the test" and find Him faithful in return. To that end, complete the Pledge/Request form you received in the mail from Fr. Jack and seal them in the self-addressed envelope he provided. Return them and Fr. Jack will be blessing them monthly.
Find 20 minutes and a place away from the phone to sit in quiet and be with the Lord. Let go of all the striving and say, "I trust you, Lord."  |
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