Hello FBC!
(I know the last couple weeks something strange has been happening with my emails to you. Sometimes there has been a delay in sending and you have received the email on the following Monday.
That’s not helpful because I usually try to have you read the Scripture I will be speaking on Sunday!
Anyway, I’m sending it today and hoping you receive it in plenty of time to prepare for this Sunday!)
He (Jesus) said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
(Luke 20:25)
Here is an appropriate verse for us since we just passed the April 18 tax deadline! There’s a lot going on here in this encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees. They tried to trap Him with a trick question. But of course the Son of God won’t be fooled! His answer is brilliant. Besides the fact that it doesn’t let us get out of paying taxes (bummer), I think it teaches us the more profound truth that everything belongs to God anyway. There is nothing that isn’t God’s, so we should hold nothing back! He wants all of us, and expects us to understand that all we have is really His!
The above thoughts tie in to our new upcoming sermon series, “Dollar$ & $ense”.
This Sunday I will be speaking on Luke 16:10-13, “Faithful in our Finances.”
To get a feel for the background of what Jesus is expressing in that paragraph, it will be important to read the parable that immediately precedes it. So before Sunday, please read all of Luke 16:1-13.
Each week of this series I hope to have a memory verse for us to try and recite together on Sunday. So I know you only have a few days (even less if there’s another delay in the email), but here’s a short one for this week:
“If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?”
(Luke 16:11, ESV)
That one shouldn’t be too hard!
But you may want to get a head start on the one for April 30 – Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.
(1 Chronicles 29:11-12 ESV) We can do this right?!
Remember that this Sunday during the 9am Sunday school hour, the Mexico mission team from our church will be presenting and sharing what God did through them and in their lives during their recent trip.
They will be in the sanctuary class, so come and be blessed to hear about it! They will also be sharing briefly in the worship service.
This Saturday morning is the Awana Grand Prix. This is a great opportunity to make friends with parents from our Awana program, many of whom do not have a church home. Please be in prayer for this event, and everyone is welcome to come enjoy the races! We will also hear from Pastor Justin briefly during this event.
Thank you to all who prayed for our Easter services! And thank you to the many dedicated servants who went above and beyond once again. From everyone who helped beautify the yard and the building, to those who participated in the music and worship, to all who helped with refreshments, to those who helped make sure all the chairs were set up and ready, and all who served with children and in the nursery — THANK YOU!
Looking forward to another blessed weekend together! Grace be with you all.
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael