March 7, 2024
Dear Central Church,
It’s amazing how fast life comes at you. I remember a time in my life in which I had no need of an attorney, accountant, or financial advisor. All of those professionals help people protect what they have. Lauren and I were newly weds who were “living on love” and had nothing to lose. God was faithful to provide.
One day, however, we woke up and needed an attorney for a will, an accountant to help us with our taxes, and a financial advisor to help us prepare for retirement. We had slightly more than nothing to lose, and God was STILL faithful to provide.
Managing family finances can be stressful, especially in difficult and uncertain times. The people of God; however, have the promise of God’s provision. In the book of Ephesians we read that God has, “blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (1:3) In Philippians we read, “My God will supply all of your needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus.” (4:19) The Psalmist declares, “I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” (37:25)
God is abundantly generous, and he graciously provides for our every need. In response, we are called to live generously as a demonstration to the world of God’s abundant and lavish love. It’s our mission!
As we continue the “Made for Mission” sermon series, this week’s core value is “Abundant Generosity.” In a world of such uncertainty, we might be tempted to hold our time, talent, and treasure with closed hands. God, however, calls us to hold what he has given us with open hands. This puts us in a position to share what he has given us and to receive what we need.
Central Church has a history of abundant generosity. We have invested in ministry partnerships around the world and in our backyard. We’ve given sacrificially to build ministry space for our youngest disciples. We’ve made investments in multicultural ministries that have resulted in transformed lives for eternity. God has used the obedient generosity of our church to change people’s lives.
If you’ve never made giving a regular practice, please pray about being part of the Central Church legacy of generosity. The giving page on our website has all the information you need, where you can make a one time gift or set up a recurring gift. Many people have found a recurring gift to be the easiest and most consistent way to practice abundant generosity.
Thank you for holding your resources with open hands and letting God use them to bless others. As we move forward as a church, I’m praying that this generous and obedient spirit continues to characterize our church so that we can do what God has called us to do.
Until He’s Finished,
Pastor Mark
P.S. Here’s the prayer we’re praying each Sunday as we journey through this series.
A Made for Mission Prayer:
God, remind me of who we are as the Church; help me find my place in what we do; and let me wake up each day knowing why it matters for eternity.