And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.  For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.  Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.

2 Corinthians 8:1-4

As you know, we do not take up an offering at LifePoint during worship.  This is not common practice for most churches.  When I was a boy, our parish church took up the collection the old-fashioned way.  Very serious-looking men carried baskets with long handles and walked down the aisles each Sunday for the collection.  You simply dropped your offering into the basket when it was waved under your nose.  It was very convincing, and decidedly difficult to ignore.

There are positives and negatives to the way we take up the offering at LifePoint.  Here are a few of them.  First, we do not make newcomers feel uncomfortable during an offering time.  Second, it demonstrates that we do not place undue emphasis on finances.  Finally, since we do not utilize time to take up an offering, we can use that time in different ways.  There are at least two negatives, however.  First, for some it is “out of sight, out of mind.”  Second, and more importantly, it may signal to people that an offering to God is an interruption to our worship, when in fact it is not.

Stewardship is part of our worship.  We worship God when we let go of some of our resources (both in time and money) as a way of demonstrating that we rely solely on him and not on our own efforts.  We acknowledge him when we look outward rather than constantly inward.  Consider the situation in Macedonia in the Apostle Paul’s day.  Out of a time of severe suffering and trial, the churches in Macedonia (modern Greece/Albania) begged Paul for the privilege of sharing God’s grace with other believers who were also suffering financially.  It is an act of worship to trust God completely with your finances and to give as a way of demonstrating your appreciation and as a way of ministering to others.

Please do not let the fact that we have chosen not to take up an offering each week allow you to forget to be good stewards of all that God has given you. Learning to be good stewards of your finances and resources is part of the process of sanctification (becoming more like Jesus).  We should not be those who raise one hand in praise to God while reserving the other to guard our wallet or purse.  God demands every part of you, and everything you have ever owned belongs to him (Psalm 24:1).  This is not a plea to give to the church so we can get out of debt.  LifePoint is taking care of all our responsibilities, and we are debt-free.  It is a gentle reminder, however, that God calls us to be good stewards over all his gifts to us, including our finances.  The love of money has shipwrecked many faiths, and you do not have to possess wads of it to love it.  You likely already know that it is not only wealthy people who hoard their treasures—it can be a temptation for the middle-class and impoverished as well.

On Sunday, September 27, we will wrap up our “Open Doors” missions emphasis.  I will ask you to give over and above your general giving to support missions through LifePoint in 2027.  We call this our “Faith Promise.”  I rarely make direct asks for your finances, but this is the time of the year in which I do.  My hope is that you will respond well.  By “respond well,” I do not mean giving a considerable amount of your money.  If you have the resources and feel compelled to share, do so.  If you do not, you are under no direct obligation.  I want you to respond well by considering the request without offense and making a decision faithfully (and joyfully) before God.

This may be a good time to remind you that neither I nor any of the pastor/elders at LifePoint will ever email or text you directly asking for money, gift cards, or other offerings. Every time you receive a text or email like this, it is a scam to take your money.  Never respond to such inquiries.  I never send emails asking anyone to contact me discreetly. Always call the church office if you have any questions about emails/texts you receive purporting to come from our staff or our church. We will never ask for money this way.

If joyful giving is difficult for you, I heartily recommend Randy Alcorn’s book “The Treasure Principle.” It is a classic that can be read in about an hour…short, biblical, and life-changing.  Our lives do not consist in the abundance of our possessions (Luke 12:15).

Grace and peace,

Pastor Jym

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