Good Words from God’s Word
 
I will begin a series of sermons today on the doctrine of Biblical Stewardship. I have not preached on this doctrine since coming to serve as your pastor. Other than the kingdom of God, stewardship is the most frequent message Jesus taught and preached about during his ministry. Stewardship is the topic Jesus addressed in 11 out of 39 parables in the New Testament. Yes, stewardship involves our management of money, but that is not all. Stewardship is more about FAITHFULNESS, than it is about MONEY. The apostle Paul said:
 
“…it is required of stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)
 
Paul considered himself to be a “steward” of the gospel, a good manager in teaching and preaching the full message of Christ. As a faithful messenger of the gospel, the preaching of stewardship was a basic requirement. As we look together at this basic subject of Christian Stewardship, I pray you will approach it with an open Bible and an open heart. If you are not already, let God lead you to be a FAITHFUL STEWARD.
 
God continues to do amazing things here at Grace. The Relocation Dream Team is busy working to accomplish the first stage in the relocation of our church from where we are to 4026 Mundy Mill Road. A sign has been placed in front of our present location announcing our move. A sign will soon be placed at the new location announcing, “FUTURE HOME OF GRACE BAPIST CHURCH,” April 1st, 2018. The signs tell those who pass by our church every day, as well as business leaders and residences in the community that Grace is On The Move.
 
Work teams are now engaged in planning, packing and storing the unneeded items from the present building and moving these to storage space located on 731 Queen City Parkway, the “Center” Office Complex, Suite 102. This space has been provided by Mr. Jim Walters, our church’s benefactor, at no cost. Mr. Walters continues to be a blessing to our church and is committed to see our relocation project to completion. When you pray, thank God and praise Him for the love and help Mr. Walters continues to provide.
 
We have been blessed by Atlanta Gas Light company to provide access to natural gas at no cost. This is a $4,800 value. The Simpson Grading Company has offered to do the excavation work for parking and utilities at the new location for the promise of giving them the dirt that will be removed in return. The Jackson Electric Company has offered to provide access and relocation of the electrical transformer for the price of the conduit alone. The City of Oakwood has offered its services in granting permits, inspections and support as needed. We are now working with our neighboring business leaders on each side of the new facilities to discuss parking and driveway issues. Every step we take is blessed by God through the open spirit of the people we talk to and their eagerness to help in any way they can. The Relocation Dream Team has been overwhelmed and overjoyed by the response of volunteers committed to serve during the relocation process. To date, we have 54 volunteers committed.

 
The Relocation Dream Team needs to call a SPECIAL CONFERENCE on Sunday, February 4, during the morning service to consider the disposition of the existing HVAC system and Lighting system in our current facilities. Also, the leaders of each relocation sub-team will bring to the church body a brief report on the status of its work, to keep our church body informed as to the progress being made. I am grateful for every Dream Team leader, volunteer, and prayer partner who is engaged in our relocation adventure.
 
It is obvious that God is doing a mighty work in our church.
 

Good Words from God’s Word
 
The writer of Hebrews defines faith as, “…the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
 
Faith is believing in the promises of God. Faith is trusting in God when things around you is uncertain. The faith of the believer is the steadiness which comes with a guarantee. It is the steadiness of mind which holds one firm. Faith is like an anchor that keeps the boat from drifting. Faith is like a foundation on which the building is built to prevent it from sinking.
 
Charles Spurgeon said, “It will not save me to know that Christ is a Savior; but it will save me to trust that He is my Savior. I shall not be delivered from the wrath to come by believing that his atonement is sufficient; but I shall be delivered by making that atonement my trust, my refuge, and my all. The pith, the essence of faith lies in this: casting oneself on the promise.”
 
Today’s sermon is about Paul, who along with a ship’s crew, and Roman cohort, were all victims of a strong storm that beached everyone on some rocks off the coast of Malta. The ship was broken apart by the strength of the crashing waves against its stern. The entire cargo was lost at sea. All the stuff in the ship was history, but Paul, the crew and everyone on board were saved. The difference between being a victim in the storm and being rescued in spite of the storm was FAITH.
 
I imagine the strong gale-force winds of the storm blowing through Paul’s hair and the driving rain stinging his face when he stood up and shared his faith:
 
“…keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only the ship. For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid…” (Acts 27:22-24a)
 
The essence of Paul’s faith was grounded in the promise of God. You can choose how your life will be grounded. You can either be grounded on the rocks and shallow reefs of life’s uncertain circumstances, or you can put your faith in Jesus who will bring you through.
 
Listen to what the Bible says about faith:

• “For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not you own doing, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
• “So also, faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17)
• “And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
• “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)

 
I pray that your faith will be strengthened today because you have joined with the People of God to study the Word of God and participate in the Worship of God. Grace is a church family in which faith is a common ingredient treasured by everyone.
 
The Bible says, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)
 
May the grounding of your faith in Jesus and the unity of our faith in God’s promises bind us together in the strength of the Lord.