VCNP Leadership Monthly for November 2008
Brian's Corner
Greetings!Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Even in our current economy, we continue to hear great stories of the amazing generosity of certain individuals. You may have read about the incredible generosity of Bill and Melinda Gates, Warren Buffet, or Bono in the last few years. The Gates Foundation plans to give away tens of billions of dollars, in part, to eradicate certain preventable diseases from the face of the earth. Bono, likewise, has been celebrated as one who has spurred on countless others to greater generosity. (Especially in things like battling diseases such as AIDS). Their generosity serves a purpose greater than themselves. So does ours. I believe Jesus notices generosity. The Macedonian Church is commended for their generosity. The Apostle Paul said, “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.” What we can do together at Vineyard North Phoenix is bigger than what any of us can do on our own. God doesn’t call us to have comfortable lifestyles, but to make an impact with our lives. In the current economy of our country, it is important that we focus on what our generosity does— it changes lives, it feeds and clothes the poor, and it results in people going to heaven for eternity. Many in our own church family have given generously to our “He Is Able” campaign—a campaign which is about changed lives. The Vineyard is dedicated to changing lives for eternity—we are all about transforming ordinary people into extraordinary followers of Christ. Generosity helps to change lives. When I think of people who give beyond their ability, I think of so many in our church family. I think of a single mom who purposely cut back her spending so she could bless others by giving that extra money to the “He Is Able” campaign. I think of one woman who gave her personal jewelry to the “He Is Able” campaign because she knew it would result in changing other people’s lives for the better. I think of one couple who started sacrificially giving 15% of their income when they had been giving 10%. They later told me they were blessed to be able to expand the Kingdom of God and how worthwhile their sacrifice has been. I believe all of these gifts were noticed by the Lord! I think it is important to note that it is not just large gifts that catch the attention of Jesus. In Luke 21:2-4 we read of a poor widow, who put two very small copper coins worth only a tiny percentage of a penny into the Temple offering. Jesus said, “Truly I say you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on.” I would like to share some thoughts from my friend Rich Nathan, pastor of the Vineyard Church of Columbus, on the topic of generosity. Rich wrote: ..... There are different levels at which you can give. You can give less than your ability. You can give as much as your ability. And you can give beyond your ability. The Macedonian Church gave beyond their ability. Wouldn't you agree with me that at least 85% of Christians in America give less than their ability? Maybe 14% give as much as they are able. And certainly less than 1% of Christians in America give beyond their ability. The Bible has more to say about money and possessions than almost any other subject - more than 2000 verses, as compared to 500 on prayer, and far fewer on faith. Jesus talked about money constantly. Sixteen of his thirty-eight parables deal with money. Why is this subject so constantly mentioned in the Bible? Because God understands the power of money on the human heart. How we approach our money, Jesus said, reveals where our hearts really are. What God desires of our hearts is that He be the all-consuming love of our lives. Money has the potential of dethroning God as the key love of our lives. It becomes his rival. It has often been said, "We can worship money and use God, or we can worship God and use money." How do we love and worship God by using our money correctly? Jesus answered very plainly when he said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." Sounds simple. What are Jesus' commandments? The overarching commandment to us as his followers is the Great Commission, "to make disciples of all the nations." How on earth do you obey the Great Commission? Do you have money? Do you have not only enough to pay your bills and meet your basic needs (not necessarily your wants, but your basic needs), but more than enough? Why would God give any of us "extra" of anything - more time, more talents, more treasure than we need? Perhaps God wants us to obey him by fulfilling the Great Commission. How can we fulfill the Great Commission? By giving our tithes to the church and offerings to the church and other organizations that are doing Great Commission work. One businessman recently said, "Life is a series of decisions about how I will use the money and resources that God has entrusted to me, never forgetting that he is the owner, and I am the steward." He added, "After much prayer and counseling, I recently decided to start a second business for one purpose only: to increase my giving to Great Commission work. My wife and my annual giving goal continues to grow. This year "kingdom investment" will be the largest item on my financial statement." Wesley Willmer wrote this in his book, God and Your Stuff: The Vital Link Between Your Possessions and Your Soul, “Our use of possessions is an accurate barometer of our faith. A growing faith is ultimately going to be expressed by a growing generosity in our giving.” In Dr. Willmer's excellent book, he offers ten biblical directives for faithful stewards summarized as follows:
Let me share two other reasons to financially give to the church. In Randy Alcorn's powerful book The Law of Returns, Alcorn argues that giving is the only alternative to spending or hoarding. It breaks the back of materialism. “Giving is a joyful surrender to a greater person and a greater agenda. It affirms Christ's lordship. Giving dethrones me and exalts him. It breaks the chain of mammon that would enslave me. It makes heaven, not earth, the center of gravity in my life.” Why be generous? Listen to Dave Anderson, the President of Learn to Lead when he says, “Contrary to what Hollywood promotes, it is not what you get or accumulate that makes you significant, but what you give away; what you contribute, the value you add to others, and what you become in the process. Sadly, when most people die, it will be as though they never lived [but generous people will be remembered by others and by God for eternity].” Open your hand to give. Be faithful in giving to your church. Join up with the New Generosity. ..... I would like to echo the words of my friend and encourage you to give generously to Vineyard Church of North Phoenix and to our “He Is Able” campaign! All of us together can do something much greater than any one of us can do individually. The buildings going up on our property will change many lives for eternity. Our last official “He is Able” offering will be on November 22-23. Please choose to be a part of this and ask God how you might generously give toward the cause of Christ. Love, Brian Update on Recent EventsGlendale Community OutreachOn Saturday October 18th over 100 Vineyard volunteers prepped and painted 4 homes in the historic Catlin Court district of Glendale. We also closed off an entire block and cooked lunch for the community. This event was a huge success in so many ways! We served our community in a practical sense by improving homes and the self esteem of those living in them. We made many new friends and brought people closer together by hosting a neighborhood friendly event. Last of all, we gave back to our community showing our relevance as an integral part of Glendale’s infrastructure. Our thanks to all of our volunteers who made this event such a blessing! -Dave Johnson, Associate Pastor Fall 2008 Food DriveOur Fall 2008 food drive was a huge success. Our church donated over 12,700 pounds of food to help people in need. Twenty five small groups participated in the drive, donating 3,442 pounds of food. The Vineyard Youth group walked through our neighborhood and collected 1,744 pounds of food. Even Peoria Elementary School contributed 778 pounds of food. Thank you to everyone who participated! A special thanks goes out to all those who volunteered their time and effort to make this a great drive. -Mario Fernandez, Associate Pastor |
Events and HighlightsHere are some major events that we can expect to see soon:
Upcoming Classes:
|
|
