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.
- Let’s stay humble.
- Let’s work hard.
- Let’s pray earnestly.
- Let’s stay United.
- Let’s give God the glory.
Amen!