For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich. And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. (2Co 8:9-15)
Our giving, of time, money, or our talents is not begrudgingly, but out of a sincere service to our Lord. Not to repay Him, or because we somehow owe it, but because He is worthy, He owns it all and allows us to be stewards of that which He gives, and because He has already told us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto GOD, which is our reasonable service. Offering of our abundance, as He blesses us, and provides, is to be done cheerfully, and a reflection of His Spirit within us. It is not to be as a show of what we can spare, nor even to show how spiritual we are, but out of a good conscience toward Christ, and with all readiness to minister those around us.
Offering ourselves is the beginning of our worship. He has paid it all and calls us alongside Himself to accomplish His work and do His will in this lost and dying world. He calls us to give so that He can minister through us. He calls us to support the work of His Church. He commands us to obedience, not as robots or slaves, but servants of our Lord, bought with a price, and with loving hearts and minds to those who do not yet know Him, and for others of our Family.
As ambassadors and ministers of reconciliation, we share of ourselves to minister to those who are hurting that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. As His body, and in the love of GOD, we disciple one another through the Word of GOD that we all may grow up into the full measure of Christ. We share the Gospel of Jesus Christ that those who hear the Good News of forgiveness through repentance of sIn and faith in His finished and perfect work may believe and have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD with forgiveness and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
Offering ourselves is the beginning of our worship. He has paid it all and calls us alongside Himself to accomplish His work and do His will in this lost and dying world. He calls us to give so that He can minister through us. He calls us to support the work of His Church. He commands us to obedience, not as robots or slaves, but servants of our Lord, bought with a price, and with loving hearts and minds to those who do not yet know Him, and for others of our Family.
As ambassadors and ministers of reconciliation, we share of ourselves to minister to those who are hurting that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. As His body, and in the love of GOD, we disciple one another through the Word of GOD that we all may grow up into the full measure of Christ. We share the Gospel of Jesus Christ that those who hear the Good News of forgiveness through repentance of sIn and faith in His finished and perfect work may believe and have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD with forgiveness and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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