Giving Yourself to the Lord

We want you to know, brethren, about the grace of God which has been shown in the churches of Macedo'nia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of liberality on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own free will, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints-- and this, not as we expected, but first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.

2 Corinthians 8: 1-5

On Sunday morning June 29, 2008 I felt like the McKnight Road Church experienced what the apostle Paul wrote about the church in Corinth. We had prayed and planned a special contribution to help raise money for a leaky roof. But, this was a campaign for so much more.

I shared the following remarks with the church preceding our contribution:

"Today is a special day. The Elders have asked the congregation to pray and consider making a special commitment this day to the work of the Kingdom here at McKnight Road. This commitment is not about a roof. The commitment is centered on the work of the Lord in this community.

Recently, one of our newer members visited with us and asked what our focus was for the church. One of my fellow elders stated quite simply: Jesus Christ and Him crucified. If the Lord does not return for another 1000 years that will still be the cry of his church.

We see the spiritual battle being waged in the lives of the members of this church. Times are tough. This past year many of our members have lost jobs, suffered demotions, taken pay cuts. Everyone here struggles daily learning how to do more with less.

We believe that the congregation is the crossroads of where the proclamation of God intersects with the world. We have chosen things like Missouri not-for-profit corporations, and church buildings to aid us in the mission. This auditorium is NOT a sanctuary. It is a place that is expedient for us to gather as a family for worship. But, we don’t need a building to be the church. But, in having a building, we have some needs.

Our goal here this morning is not to look at brick and mortar and roof supports. We want to be the foundation of the living church. We believe that every human being is called by God to be part of his kingdom. We are a priesthood of all believers. We have no clergy. We do have those who minister here as full or part-time staff. Again this building helps in their function. We simply want every member to understand his and her responsibility to the body of Christ. God made you. And, He has given each of you unique talents and abilities."

As of this morning the members of the church had pledged $70,000 in loans and made cash gifts and pledges totalling another $70,252.00. And, several of our families have indicated that they have yet to make their gift. I am so deeply appreciative of the way that our members have pulled together to help in the ministry of the church that meets at McKnight Road. This has been done by doing what the apostle Paul asked. Giving of oneself to the Lord first and then to work of the Lord! It is a privilege to travel the Way with such dedicated saints!