The Pastor's Desk
Upon examining our life in Christ, we must look at what we have done with God’s Blessings thus far. In other words, how can we account for our “Personal Stewardship?” Several months ago, we journeyed through a series of teachings on this subject. Why is this important? We have a responsibility to God to be all that we can be in Him. Through His Grace, God saved us and continues to keep us in His Care. He is looking for a “return on His investment!” Let’s consider about the word “stewardship.” Stewardship is the management of another person’s property, finances, or household affairs. As far as the Saints of God are concerned, stewardship involves the responsibility of managing God’s work through the church. God has appointed all of us to be His stewards here on earth. Stewardship is not an option; for as Paul pointed out in 1 Corinthians 9:17, “For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship.”
When Jesus shared with us the parable about the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, it is clear that He holds us accountable for the way in which we manage God’s affairs. What are included in these affairs?
Extending the church’s ministry through sharing the “Good News” of Jesus Christ
(Colossians 1:24-28)
As I have admonished you many times in the past, Saints, this is not the time to become complacent and secure in what we have. It is time to seek God as never before. I thank God for the Evangelism Teams that are pursuing its mission to reach out to those in the hedges and highways, compelling them to come. I also thank God for those of you who have taken time out to share the “Good News of Jesus Christ” to co-workers, neighbors, and people in your communities. Remember, We Are All Soul Winners For Christ! You don’t have to have a title to share the “Good News.” You don’t need permission to share the “Good News.” Remember, we all have a responsibility.
Supporting the church financially
(Acts 4:32-37)
To be truthful, nothing we have really belongs to us. Everything belongs to God. The first part of that scripture says, “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul. You see, Saints, we have to get on one accord and remember that we are not of our own!
Every Sunday we read the tithing scriptures: “For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.
And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.
When we prove God, believe you me, He won’t let us down!
Ministering to the sick and needy
(Matthew 25:31-46)
Jesus shared a part His “Blueprint of Stewardship” with us when He shared these words:
For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
What shall we render to God for all His benefits towards us? PERSONAL STEWARDSHIP
Pastor Willie R. Hunt