Tag: Worship

Why We Give

Posted on by Leave a comment

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. – 2 Corinthians 8:9

The gospel of Jesus Christ fundamentally changes the way we view our lives and relate to the resources entrusted to us – our time, money, possessions, and energy. Jesus came that we might have life to the full (John 10:10). By his poverty, we become rich (2 Cor. 8:9). By his work, we are brought from a place of vulnerability, scarcity, and fear into a kingdom of abundance, grace, and generosity.

In light of the riches we’ve received in Christ, we are free – compelled even – to use the resources we steward for the sake of his Kingdom, reflecting his generosity in our love.

Giving Is an Act of Worship

When we give in this way, in response to what He has done, we are giving in worship. We are worshipping. “In view of God’s mercy, offer yourself as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1). The only viable response to God’s extravagant mercy revealed in Christ Jesus is complete surrender. We offer all that we are and all that we have to him as living sacrifices in worship.

Our offerings given in worship are holy and pleasing to God. By giving back of that which He has entrusted to us, we are acknowledging him as provider and relying on him for our “daily bread.”

Giving Facilitates the Worship of the People

From the early days, when God made a people for himself, He instructed them to tithe. Ten percent of all production was given to facilitate the corporate worship of God’s people. The tithed funds and resources provided a livelihood for the priests and Levites (Numbers 18:21–24) as well as furnishings and accoutrements for the Temple. In the New Testament, believers were instructed to give as they were able and even beyond their ability to support the work, worship, and growth of the Church (2 Cor. 8:3). Giving to support church leaders and elders was also encouraged (1 Cor. 9:14, Gal. 6:6).

For the people of God, worship is an essential and formational corporate endeavor. We all share in the responsibility of making worship a reality for the sake of our community.

Giving Empowers Ministry

The early Christian Church was distinguished by its radical generosity. “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:44-45, 47). The Roman emperor Julian wrote, “[The Christians’] success lies in their charity to strangers…the impious Galileans [Christians] support both their own poor and ours as well!” Our giving provides the pool of resources from which we care for one another and demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways to our hurting neighbors. In other words, the mission of the Church is funded by the Spirit-led generosity of individual believers. “Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).

We give in honor and worship to the One who has given us everything, and He multiplies what we offer to build His Kingdom. It is our privilege and joy to trust Him in surrender.

Inadequate Comforts: A reflection on Psalm 91 in preparation for Lent

Posted on by Leave a comment

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

Psalm 91:1-2

Scripture testifies to the faithfulness of God. People are fickle and rebellious, yet the Lord is faithful and trustworthy. He is our refuge and fortress, faithful to deliver us. Still, we turn to inadequate comforts.

I see it in myself. When there is pain or fear or anxiety, my impulse is to seek quick relief. Maybe I will escape into a movie or football game. Or I may create an well-designed action plan to feel like I have control over the situation. Sometimes I eat an indulgent, feel-good meal. Probably Mexican food. Probably with queso. These things are not inherently bad – there are far more sinister and destructive means of escape – but all our comforts are woefully insufficient.

For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler

And from the deadly pestilence.

Psalm 91:3

The Lord alone is Deliverer. In Lent we come to terms with the brokenness of the world, and we face into our own sin. We see our need for a deliverer, intentionally denying ourselves the inadequate comforts and means of escape with typically depend upon, so that we ultimately come to depend on the All-Sufficient Savior. Lent fasting prepares us for Easter feasting. When we acknowledge the magnitude of our sin and rebellion, we more fully appreciate the majesty of our deliverance.

In the first chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul describes the despair the apostles felt as they faced persecution in Asia. “Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.”

This is the posture of Lent. He has delivered us from the deadly peril of sin and death. And he will deliver us. He is Lord of all, and He is faithful. Therefore, let us hold fast in love to Our Deliverer (v. 14).

For an in-depth explanation and guide to Lent, read this post.

The Heart of Advent

Posted on by Leave a comment

Sunday, November 28, marks the beginning of Advent, the first season of the Christian year, which lasts four weeks leading up to Christmas. The season often ends up being a frantic time of busyness, shopping, and general running around, but it is meant to be something quite different. Christians have engaged this season as a time of preparation, fasting, and anticipation dating back to the 5th century. During these weeks, the Church corporately anticipates the celebration of Christ’s first coming and prepares for His coming again. While Advent is often treated like a countdown to Christmas, it is actually much more than that. 

We all unavoidably feel the weight of the world, the brokenness and groaning under the burden of sin. We long for resolution, justice, and peace. We mourn friends and family members who pass away. The daily news is full of the tragedies of the world. But that is not the whole story. Justice is coming. Peace is coming. Redemption is coming. Jesus is coming. For those who are in Christ, this is our unshakable hope. It is not an empty hope. In Advent we look both backwards and forwards. Back at Christ coming as testimony to the Lord’s faithfulness. Can you believe it? The Son of God took on flesh to come to us, to rescue us. And forward to Christ’s promised return. The One who came to us is faithful. He will come again!

This is the heart of Advent. It gives us hope and demands that we prepare. Since the Ascension, the Church has lived with the question, “Could this be the day?” We don’t know the day or the hour, so we’re forced to prepare each day. If today is the day, am I ready for His return? For those who are ready, Jesus’ return will be cause for joy and celebration. For all others, it will be fearful and distressing. 

So in this season, let us fast, pray, and examine our hearts that we would be filled with hope as we look to the Lord’s return. When He came into the world the first time, He gave us life, and He is coming again to restore all things. Let us look to Him. He is our hope!

Click here for suggestions from Anglican Compass on how to engage during Advent.

%d bloggers like this: