Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord, as well as your Savior? Many gladly embrace God’s forgiveness and the promise of eternal life offered in Jesus Christ, yet try to do so without committing to make Christ Lord of their lives. It can’t be done. Don’t take my word for it; listen to Jesus. “Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. … Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!” (Matthew 7, 21, 26-27).
During our six week program on discipleship and stewardship, we are providing practical guidance for those who desire to act on Jesus’ words and build their lives on a solid foundation. On the final Sunday of this series, we will offer all present the opportunity to recommit their lives to Christ during worship by passing in their yellow personal commitment card. In
preparation for this, we ask that you prayerfully consider what steps you need to take in order to be faithful disciples and good stewards.
Will you live a life transformed by God’s grace and gather regularly with the congregation for worship? Will you connect with others to grow in faith and serve? Will you support the ministry of the church financially and help share God’s good news with others? Those who are on the fence about making such a commitment can find spiritual guidance by reading Matthew, chapters 6 and 7 in their entirety. This selection, which includes the Lord’s Prayer, places everything in proper perspective.
On the reverse of the commitment card there is an estimate of giving. Spiritually it is important for all followers of Christ to commit to honoring God with their finances as well as their time, talents, and priorities. While the amount one chooses to pledge is very important for the Trustees as they attempt to come up with a budget for next year, it is of less significance spiritually. Making a commitment of financial support for God’s work – of any amount – is what counts. Jesus tells the story of an impoverished woman who placed two small coins in the temple offering. He deemed her gift to be greater than all others because of what it signified about her commitment to God. If you miss worship on Commitment Sunday, October 13th, you may mail your commitment to the church office or come by at some other time to place it in the glass bowl at the rear of the sanctuary.
See you in church,
Pastor Derek