LIVING GENEROUSLY

"If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?” (Luke 9:23-25)

What did Jesus mean when He said, “Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it?” How often do we stop to consider the commitment Christ expects? He’s not talking about writing a check or checking a box, but a life that is completely focused on giving to others what He has so graciously given to us.

Beginning October 26 and continuing through November 16^th, we hope to address some of these questions and ideas as we begin a stewardship journey titled Living Generously. This will be different than others we have done in the past, in that it will include a series of short films that tell the story of one imaginary family (the Donovans) as they seek to understand what it means to live the words of Jesus. Each week we’ll see a glimpse of their journey as they take risks, experience suffering and joy, and find themselves transformed by the call of Christ. You won’t want to miss a single Sunday!

We all know that life is busy, making it easy for our hearts to be distracted by the demands we face. And while each of us has many blessings, often our attitudes are less than grateful. So, it is our sincere hope that this series prompts us to take an inventory of the blessings God has entrusted to each of us.  As we do, we pray that we’ll all be inspired with a new awareness of God’s goodness.

On November 16^th, we’ll all have the opportunity to share how we have been impacted. In the meantime, though, we ask you to join us in praying that God will prepare our hearts to hear His message of transforming generosity, to commit to being present in worship each week to do so!  Always remember that God loves you and I do, too!

Watch the “Living Generously” Series Trailer Here

Living Generously -- Experiencing the Life that Truly is Life!

"They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share,... so that they may take hold of the life that really is life." (1 Timothy 6:18-19).

What did Jesus mean when He said, “Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it?” How often do we stop to consider the commitment Christ expects? He’s not talking about writing a check or checking a box, but a life that is completely focused on giving to others what He has so graciously given to us. Join us October 26-November 16^th as we address these issues and more in a new series called Living Generously.

This series will be different than others we’ve done, in that a significant portion of worship will be spent following the story of one imaginary family through a series of short movies as they seek to understand what it means to live and practice the words of Jesus. Each week we’ll see a glimpse of their journey as they take risks, experience suffering and joy, and find themselves transformed by the call of Christ. And through it all, we’ll come to learn about -- and be challenged to practice -- the “life that truly is life” (1 Timothy 6:18-19).  So, mark your calendars now and plan to participate!

WATCH THE SERIES TRAILER HERE!

New Jerusalem Here Today

“I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God…. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying ‘Look! God’s dwelling is here with humankind.’” (Revelation 21:2-3)

“I saw the Holy City

Descending from the sky

So brilliant with the light of God

The city is His bride

There is no temple in this town

No sun, no moon, no lamp

For God's own glory is it's light

Illuminated by the Lamb

And God Himself will wipe the tears

From every weeping eye

No death, no pain, no mourning cry

And every tear made dry

CHORUS:

And now our God will dwell with them

The new Jerusalem

And He Himself will walk with them

The new Jerusalem

And so let all of those who thirst

Come now and drink for free

And to the one who overcomes

Come now and you will see

Behold the old has passed away

Now everything is new

The Alpha and Omega's words

Are trustworthy and so true

And God Himself will wipe the tears

From every weeping eye

No death, no pain, no mourning cry

And every tear made dry

CHORUS”

            [--Michael Card from his 1997 album Unveiled Hope]

The future we have to look forward to as God’s people is one of unending hope, blessing and joy – one where all the trials, tribulations, and things that make this present world a challenge will not exist. I don’t know about you, but that’s one I look forward to!  (Not that I want to leave right now, but I have no fear or doubts about the place after this life)

However, while still on earth, each of us today has a responsibility as people of faith to do what we can to bring a little piece of the “new Jerusalem” to our part of the world – to help bring the presence of God closer to people around us; to bring God’s hope, joy, and blessing from heaven of the future to people on earth in the here and now.

So, as we conclude our series on the book of Revelation, I pray that you will not only know and rest in the faith of Jesus that can ensure you a place in the “new Jerusalem” above, but will also do what you can through your words and actions to bring a little bit of that “new Jerusalem” to the lives of those around you here on earth! Remember that God loves you and I do, too!