TOGETHER
FAITH FOR THE FUTURE
OA K VA L L E Y B A P T I S T C H U R C H
FROM THE PASTOR
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ears ago in another time and another place, I used to title my articles for the church newsletter, “It’s On My Heart.” For a number of years now, as you well know, I have titled my newsletter articles, “The Pastor’s Epistle.” I think now is a good time and good place to write an “epistle” from my heart to yours concerning the Oak Valley proposed building plan and the capital campaign that will raise funds to enable the building plan to come to fruition. The theme of our fund raising effort is “TOGETHER: FAITH FOR THE FUTURE.” Now let me say right here that “TOGETHER” is about raising funds! Some pastors might try to down play this aspect of a campaign for fear of turning people off by talking about money. Well, Jesus talked about money and possessions more than he did about heaven so, since He did, I think we need to be willing to talk about these things too! No apologies from me! James 4:2 says, “You have not because you ask not.” In this campaign you will be asked! However, we also need to affirm that a capital campaign is about more than money and raising funds. An effort like “TOGETHER,” is about discipleship. It is about spiritual growth. It is about being a growing and obedient disciple in the area of stewardship. It is realizing that Biblical giving is an evidence of our love for Christ and a commitment to His kingdom. The truth is: growing, loving, committed disciples give regularly, generously, and sacrificially. For some of you this will be an opportunity to demonstrate your discipleship. For others of you, “TOGETHER,” will be a challenge to grow in your faith. In a recent note to our church leadership I shared the following thoughts about the campaign, the campaign theme, and the future of Oak Valley.
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This campaign is about the future of Oak Valley Baptist Church. Over the almost thirty years of Oak Valley’s existence, the Lord has blessed our church and has challenged us to “walk by faith.” Without exception God has been faithful to provide whatever has been needed, and today we are standing at perhaps the greatest challenge and opportunity in the history of this church. As scripture says in Matthew 9:37 (NKJV), “The harvest is truly plentiful….” The “fields” of people around our church are greater than ever and they continue to grow. The Lord is bringing people into our “field” and we need to do everything we can to reach them for Jesus. The new building is one significant way we can say to our community, “Oak Valley cares about you and your family.” The future for OVBC is as bright as the promises of our Lord, but we must focus on reaching those God is placing all around us. To do anything less is to ignore His leadership and to miss the future God has in store for His Church. The campaign theme is significant for two reasons. One, we can always do more when we do things TOGETHER. This cannot happen, and will not happen, unless we do this TOGETHER. It will take every one of us, every member of Oak Valley, working TOGETHER to accomplish this goal. As you read Acts chapter two, notice in the last verses how many times the word TOGETHER is used. TOGETHER we can do whatever God wants us to do! The second part of the campaign theme is equally important. We will only accomplish this project by FAITH. Faith is not acting on what we can humanly see, but it is acting on what God can do! We can’t do this ourselves, but God can! He is asking us to boldly and sacrificially move forward in FAITH! You are a vital part of this church and you are vitally important to this campaign. Please join with your pastor, church staff, church leaders, and fellow church members and pray about what you will do and what we will do “TOGETHER” by FAITH to move into His FUTURE! Joyfully,
Dr. Jerry L. Winfield
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1983 A BRIEF HISTORY
1983 Twenty-five families meet for first service on November 13 at LaPetite Academy Preschool 1985 Oak Valley Baptist Church constituted on May 26
1985-86 Church met in the basement of Joe and Carol Babcock’s home 1986 Present location purchased; first service held in current North House on September 14 1994 October 23, Dedication of first church building which included a sanctuary and preschool and office space
2003 Additions to building dedicated on November 16 2012 Church elects a Site Development Committee and engages Cosco and Associates to develop a long range Master Plan
2014 Church votes in May to proceed with the development of Phase One of the Master Plan which includes a Preschool and Children’s Building and an expanded lobby
2015 In January, Oak Valley will be involved in a fund raising effort called “TOGETHER: FAITH FOR THE FUTURE” 4
FOR THE FUTURE 5
THE CHALLENGE 6
WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE 1
A modern and functional building for preschoolers and children that will provide for the current needs of our children and will allow for growth in the future.
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A new, fun, and safe outdoor playground accessible from the new building.
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An expanded lobby area that provides space that will enhance fellowship among the members, be an inviting and welcoming space for our visitors, and will positively affect the flow of people in and out of the building.
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Additional family restrooms facilities that will service the sanctuary and the lobby area.
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Possibility of temporary space for two adult classes.
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A new and improved aesthetic and modernization of the front faรงade of the church.
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A new image for Oak Valley that communicates to passersby and those who come to our campus that we have a place for them and for their families!
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Potential relocation of the Youth to the North House and the offices to the vacated preschool area.
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LO W E R L E V E L
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MAIN LEVEL
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GOD-SIZED GIVING There are two basic ways a person can approach giving when presented with an opportunity like the “TOGETHER” project.
1. I can pledge to give based on REASON. This means I look at what I have, decide what is “reasonable,” and commit that amount. It takes no faith to give by reason. Reason simply asks, “What can I afford?”
2. I can pledge to give based on REVELATION. This means I determine my gift by praying, “Lord, what do you want to give through me?” This requires faith. When you make giving a matter of prayer, your decision becomes an act of worship. Revelation giving is asking, “How much am I willing to trust God?” Paul said of the Macedonians, “They gave not only what they could afford, they gave even more…” (see 2 Corinthians 8:3).
COMMITMENT PRAYER
“Father, this is a big step for us. We’re asking You to strengthen our faith and help us grow spiritually through giving. We thank You for all You have given us. We want to be cheerful givers. We’re claiming the promise from Your Word that you’ll take care of our needs if we trust You. Thank You for this opportunity to grow. Thank You for our church. Help us to take this step of faith for Your glory! In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
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WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? PRAY
Abundant GENEROSITY LADDER
Tithing
Intentional
TOGETHER is about when every one of us takes a sacrificial, generous step of faith. Where are you on the generosity ladder? Can you commit to move up one rung on that ladder?
Occasional
me First Ti
TOGETHER is a discipleship process more than a fundraising campaign. It is about shaping our hearts to be the generous, faith-filled people God desires us to be. Go through the daily prayer guide. Allow God to speak to your heart and challenge you. Ask Him what He is calling you to do in this area of your life during this season. Seek His direction and ask Him for the faith to follow that direction.
COMMIT With God’s leadership, make a commitment. Don’t just commit to an amount, but to a change. Look at the generosity ladder. Can you step one rung up on the ladder? What does that mean for your life? What sacrifices does that require? How does God have to provide in your life for that to be real? Make a commitment to take that step in faith.
GIVE Giving is what takes our commitment and our faith and makes it real. Generosity is one of the fundamental keys to a Christ-centered life. It requires faith, sacrifice and vision. View each gift you have pledged as a step on the faith journey. Begin by making the first step. Maybe God is leading you to make that first step a leap by giving something abundant. Let God direct that step and give the way He leads you.
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Name_______________________________________ Phone Number _______________________________ Total Three-year Gift Amount $__________________ (Beginning March 2015 – ending February 2018) I/We plan to give accordingly:
SAMPLE COMMITMENT CARD
$__________________ Weekly for 156 weeks
$__________________ Monthly for 36 months
$__________________ Annually for 3 years
$__________________ One-Time Gift
$ _________________ Non-Cash Gift
Description of Non Cash Gift: ___________________
WHAT IS MY PART?
While we all cannot give the same amount, we can all sacrifice together. It’s about “equal sacrifice not equal gifts.” Your participation is important and will help fulfill the vision. We ask everyone to pray and ask God, “What do you want me to sacrifice for the vision you have given our church?” We hope that everyone will be as generous as possible. (2 Corinthians 9:7-8)
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MESSAGE NOTES, BIBLE S TUDY & PRAYER GUIDE 15
BY FAITH, WE GIVE TOGETHER January 4, 2015
Acts 4: 32-36 What do we mean when we say, “By faith…?” The early church has set for us a standard of giving- and living! Because of their faith and by their example, how should we give? 1. By faith, they were ____________________. (v. 32) 2. By faith, they were ____________________. (vs. 32-33) 3. By faith, they were ____________________. (vs. 32; 34) 4. By faith, they were ____________________. (vs. 34-35) These same qualities should characterize our giving. NOTES __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 16
BY FAITH, WE GIVE RESPONSIBLY January 11, 2015
Acts 5: 1-11 The tragic story of Ananias and Sapphira shows us the seriousness of lying to God. These verses also show us some principles of responsible stewardship. Principle 1- God is the __________________. Principle 2- We are His __________________. Principle 3- Your giving is a matter _________________ _______ and _________. Principle 4- Your giving is a matter of _____________ ______________________. Principle 5- Your giving is an opportunity for ______________________________.
See 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15
There is a right way and a wrong way to give. Responsible giving is always the right way. NOTES __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 17
BY FAITH, WE GIVE SACRIFICIALLY January 18, 2015
Acts 11: 19-30 The church in Antioch had limited means and suffered as did the other churches. Yet, because of their faith and sacrificial giving, they were the first believers to be called “Christians.” 1. God’s ______________ was seen in their lives. (v. 23) 2. They heard of the great __________________. (vs. 27-28) 3. They made the __________________ to help. (vs. 29-30.) 4. They responded _______________________. (v. 29) They were following the giving example of the Macedonians Christians See 2 Corinthians 8 :1-5 Giving by faith is always out of the experience of ____________ and is often ___________________.These same qualities should characterize our giving. NOTES _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 18
BY FAITH, WE GIVE CONFIDENTLY January 25, 2015
Acts 2: 36-41 Over the last weeks we have seen the faithful giving of the early church. We also need to see that they gave in confidence because of what they experienced on the day of Pentecost. 1. They were confident in the __________________ ____________________. (v. 38) 2. They were confident in the __________________ ____________________. (v. 39) 3. They were confident in the __________________ ____________________. (v. 39) All these believers had to depend on was the faithfulness of God. In that they were confident and in that they believed. The book of Acts proves this. Where is our confidence? NOTES __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 19
WHAT’S IN YOUR HAND? February 1, 2015
Exodus 4:1-7 God took the ordinary in Moses _______ and multiplied its influence. What does the commitment card in your hand represent? I.
It is a tangible expression of __________________________.
II.
It is a tangible reminder of ___________________________.
III.
It may be a step in the _______________ of someone else.
IV.
It’s evidence of your ___________ with this body of believers.
NOTES _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 20
LIFESTYLE STEWARDSHIP Stewardship is a predominate theme in Scripture. Not only was it one of Jesus’ favorite topics, it flows like a river from its source in the earliest verses of Genesis to the concluding chapter of Revelation. Stewardship is a bright thread so thoroughly interwoven into the fabric of Scripture that the failure to see it could only be intentional. The first sin of humanity was an abuse of stewardship. The first murder was the aftermath of an improper offering to God. The final act in the human drama will be the return of the missing Master who comes to claim the world that has always, and only, belonged to Him. The Lifestyle StewardshipTM Bible Study Series looks at the topic of stewardship in non-traditional ways. For example, you will find the word “tithe” is not discussed in these lessons. This study assumes the tithe and endeavors to move beyond basic training to other significant questions:
• What does it mean that the first job given to humankind was stewardship?
• What does it imply that we were stewards before we were sinners?
• How and why does the image of the steward in our culture today differ so greatly from its high and esteemed position in Scripture?
• Why is our participation in giving so important to our relationship with God?
Of all the remarkable things Jesus said about money, none may be more astonishing than, “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” (Luke 16:11) “True riches,” we may assume, refers to wealth that is spiritual and eternal. Consider the statement! Is Jesus not saying that entitlement to “true riches” is contingent on how we use our material wealth? Does this not mean that financial faithfulness is an essential key to spiritual discovery and enlightenment? Could it be that the lives of spiritual enchantment and adventure for which we all long can never be ours until we have mastered mammon? The Lifestyle StewardshipTM Bible Study Series is an adventure of discovery for those who desire access to the true riches Jesus promised. 21
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Lesson One The Biblical Steward
Icebreaker
Do you remember your first “real” job? What was your primary responsibility? How did it feel to be hired?
The First Job
A first job is significant. It indicates that someone recognizes our capabilities and potential. It also introduces an authority figure whose directions we are expected to follow. Humanity’s first job was stewardship. So, what is stewardship? It is a compound Greek word made up of oikos, which means “house”, and nemo, which means “to manage”. So literally the word means “one who manages a household”. The idea of a steward is a person who manages and administrates what has been entrusted to him by another. Genesis 2:15-19: “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.
The First Job Description
The message of the book of Genesis is that we have been created in God’s image, and that we have been given responsibility to take care of and to enjoy God’s creation. We live under the Biblical premise that everything we have, even life itself which is lived in relationship with others, is a gift of God. Nothing is ultimately our own. God is the giver of everything. Creation is still God’s; the people of God only have been entrusted with stewardship of it.
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When the Israelites were fleeing the Egyptians and problems compounded, God worked through Moses to give his people the Ten Commandments. A person living by these commands would surely be a good steward. The Commandments were the foundation under which people lived in relationship with their God and with each other for centuries. In Matthew 22:34-40, Jesus repeats this law of Moses as the basis for every action in life. Loving God above all else and our neighbor as ourselves would make us all good stewards of God’s gifts. Yet, when we showed that we could not be faithful stewards with the Ten Commandments alone, God gave us Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Through his life, we have an example to follow. Through Jesus’ parables his teaching on stewardship became specific. Through Christ’s death and resurrection we are accepted as God’s children and given God’s Spirit to help us live in relationship with God and humanity as intended at creation. It is in accepting this gift and allowing His Spirit to live in us through faith that we become the stewards we were intended to be. So being a steward suggests that it is a process of developing a disciplined Christian lifestyle that is practiced in and through the church. However it is also practiced through one’s occupation, community involvement, neighborhood, anywhere one goes or anything one does.
The Responsibilities of a Steward
The position of steward was held by those individuals who demonstrated dependability, wisdom, and faithfulness. Jesus emphasized the steward’s importance when he asked, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants…?” (Luke 12:42)
Questions for Individual Meditation or Group Discussion 1. Does Stewardship seem like an obligation or a privilege – a debt or a gift? Explain your feelings. 2. What would make a steward “trustworthy”? 3. In what areas do you struggle to be a trustworthy steward?
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Lesson Two Conducting Family Business
Icebreaker
Has there been a time when you loaned something to someone and they either didn’t return it, or returned it broken? How did you feel? Has there been a time when someone loaned something to you and you failed to return it or destroyed it? How did you feel in this situation?
Who Owns the Family Business?
The Bible is clear – God owns all things! He owns you and He owns me. The truth of this principle is in Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.” Since God owns it all, when He entrusts us with a portion of His possessions, we are to manage it in a way that is pleasing to Him. God is the sole owner of everything and has never relinquished His ownership. He has never transferred ownership of one acre of land or one ounce of gold. Haggai 2:8 – “The silver is mine and the gold is mine, declares the Lord Almighty.” Psalm 50:10 – “For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.”
Who Manages the Family Business?
The Parable of the Talents – Matthew 25:14-30 There are several key points of this parable. First, there is a clear ownership of the talents. Second, each steward had the master’s complete confidence and trust. Third, each steward was given enormous freedom in the management of the master’s resources. Fourth, each steward received a varying amount of resources. Ultimately, the stewards learned that it was not the amount of resources in their possession that determined their reward, but rather how they used the resources that they were given. That’s great news for us! Great wealth is not required in order to be a good steward. We are all responsible for our money, but also the effective use of our bodies, minds, health, energy, personalities, and opportunities. The message for us from this parable is clear. God owns everything and gives varying measures of His resources to us. As His stewards, we obtain our livelihood through these resources and utilize them in ways that are consistent with His will.
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The Purpose of Stewardship: Why Should We Give?
God funds His work through His people. Christian’s acting as faithful managers participate in advancing God’s Kingdom through giving. Christian giving has to do with our stewardship of the gospel. Christ’s call to proclaim Gods love to all people remains our charge. Each one of us is called to share the good news with those we contact in our daily lives. At the same time or prayers and gifts can support others who are called to proclaim the gospel to those beyond our reach. It is in regard to the stewardship of the gospel that the extension of self through our gifts of money is most evident.
Additional Reading and Final Thoughts
Stewardship is a spiritual matter. Unless Christ has priority in the life of a church member, he or she may be persuaded to support the church, but will not be a true steward. Thus the main goal of these lessons on stewardship is not getting into people’s pocketbooks, but getting Christ into people’s hearts. Exodus 35 – Explains that God called the Hebrews to give in order to fund the Tabernacle’s construction. 1 Chronicles 28 & 29 – David calls for the people to participate in funding the new place of worship.
Questions for Individual Meditation or Group Discussion 1. How would you grade your performance as a manager in the Father’s business? Are you multiplying what’s been given to you? 2. What qualities or talents do you possess that enable you to be an effective manager? What character traits or struggles do you have that make it difficult to be an effective manager for God?
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Lesson Three The Symbolism of Giving
Icebreaker
What was the most meaningful gift you have ever received? What made it so special?
The Symbolism of the Gift
The Bible contains more than two thousand verses on the subject of money and possessions. We have approximately thirty-eight of Jesus’ parables recorded in the New Testament. Of these, there are sixteen about money and possessions. The first recorded account of bringing gifts to God is known as the story of Cain and Abel, found in Genesis 4:1-6. God accepted Abel’s offering but He rejected Cain’s. This session will help us discover what makes an offering acceptable to God, as well as providing an opportunity to examine the elements of the offering, the gift, and the giver.
The Giver is in the Gift
2 Samuel 24:18-25 You’ve heard it said that, “the gift represents the giver.” However, the gift is much more than that. As we present our gifts, we present ourselves. In fact, the value of the gift is determined by how much of ourselves is actually “in” the gift. 2 Samuel 24:18-25 tells us an unusual story. King David was commanded to build an altar to God. He could have obeyed God without any personal costs. Araunah had generously offered to David everything that was needed to fulfill God’s command. Araunah offered to give the land, the wood for the altar, and even the animal to sacrifice. David could have made his offering to God without costing him one cent. David, however, refused Araunah’s offer. Why? What did David know that we don’t? David understood that he could not offer anything to God which personally cost him nothing. The gift that does not touch the giver does not touch God. David put himself “in” the gift.
Your Money and You
Matthew 6:21 When Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” He was speaking on several levels. Jesus’ statement refers to the intimate relationship that exists between our lives and money. We spend a great deal of our lives thinking about money, earning it, saving it, investing it, spending it, and worrying about it. It stirs our emotions and touches our hopes, fears, insecurities, plans and ambitions. 26
The Value of the Gift
Mark 12:41-44 What determines the value of a gift to God? Is one better than another? We already know the answer since God accepted Abel’s gift and rejected Cain’s gift. One day Jesus stood at the temple treasury to see what people gave. He saw some give great sums, but he recognized those whose gifts didn’t cost them anything personally. Jesus watched a widow give two small copper coins, a very small amount that basically contributed nothing to the temple. However, the widow gave “all she had to live on.” She didn’t just put two worthless coins into the treasury; she put herself in. The value of the widow is not found in the coins, but rather the value of the coins is found in the widow.
Some Gifts Defile God’s Altar
Malachi 1:6-8 Not all gifts have value before God. The Jews had been told to give their best, for only perfect gifts truly symbolized God’s worthiness. Instead of the best the Hebrews gave what they no longer wanted or could no longer use. They gave what had already lost its value to them. We are still in danger of despising God’s altar. What we give should have meaning to us. If it means little to us, it means little to God.
Questions for Individual Meditation or Group Discussion 1. What determines a gift’s value before God? 2. Why had God included the act of giving as an important part of the Christian lifestyle? How is the offering the purest expression of worship? 3. Knowing that the value of a gift is determined by its value to the giver, what have you given to God that was close to your heart? How did giving it make you feel?
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Lesson Four The Practice of Stewardship
Icebreaker
Give examples of how people have made personal sacrifices to benefit others. (Ex: Parents sacrifice to help their children go to college. A friend donates a kidney to a friend in need.) How does Jesus demonstrate the perfect example of lifestyle stewardship?
Reassessment of Lifestyle
If we are to find ways to give from the treasure of lifestyle, the obvious place to start is with an accurate assessment of our own lifestyle. This isn’t as simple as it sounds. In fact, reassessing ourselves creates a subtle danger, the danger of judging others. This lesson seeks to help us evaluate our motivations, attitudes, and personal perspectives about our own lifestyles.
Reordering of Priorities
Everyone has a priority list, whether conscious of it or not. At the top are those matters we consider critically important. As we move down the list, the items become less important. That priority list is uniquely individual. Our spending corresponds with the priority list. We spend our money on those things most dear to our heart. Bank statements can provide an excellent indication of what is most dear to us, as our spending habits speak volumes about our interests, hobbies, and personal tastes. If you spent some time analyzing your bank statements, what would it reveal to you about your priorities?
Reallocating Our Resources
As you identify specific changes in your lifestyle and remove or downgrade items in your priority list, you will begin to see that very substantial funds can be accumulated. You are turning lifestyle changes into money. Giving from life, not bank accounts, can be practiced by everyone at some level. If the willingness to give is present, Lifestyle Stewardship can provide a way.
The Perfect Model of Lifestyle Stewardship
The greatest illustration of Lifestyle Stewardship is found in the life of Christ. As you consider your involvement, examine the perfect example of Christ. 28
First, Jesus came to do the Father’s Business. The most intriguing questions about the childhood of Jesus are, “What did He know, and when did He know it?” Luke 2:49 explains, “Why were you searching for me?” He asked, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” Jesus’ words reveal a spirit of total dedication to the Father’s Business. Jesus understood the role of stewardship. Second, Jesus assessed His Lifestyle. We cannot know the position of might and majesty that belonged to Jesus. However, Philippians 2:5-6 states, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.” Third, Jesus ordered His priorities. He made a clear assessment of what was important to Him. Philippians 2:7-8 states, “But made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!” What was important to Jesus was His Father’s Business. Fourth, Jesus allocated His resources. Jesus gave His wealth to us, and took our poverty unto Himself. 2 Corinthians 8:9 reveals, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” He took the death that we so justly deserved and gave us life. Fifth, Jesus’ stewardship was rewarded. Faithful stewardship does not go unnoticed nor unrewarded. Philippians 2:9-11 demonstrates that reward, “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Questions for Individual Meditation or Group Discussion 1. How does Jesus demonstrate the perfect example of lifestyle stewardship? 2. What would you say your number one priority is as reflected by your time and money? 3. Do I find in my heart an excitement and enthusiasm for giving to God?
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P R AY E R G U I D E Week One Philippians 2:5-8 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped; 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! (NIV) Day One Pray that we may have unity in the body of believers at Oak Valley Baptist. Day Two Pray that we may have the purpose of Christ; the glory of God the Father. Day Three Pray that we may have the attitude of Christ; a servant humbly submitted to God’s will. Day Four Pray that we may have the courage to make sacrifices that will change our lives. Day Five Praise Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
How God spoke to me this week _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 30
P R AY E R G U I D E Week Two 1 Corinthians 3:10-13 10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. (NIV) Day One Pray that we would rejoice in God’s grace that we are allowed to participate in His vital work. Day Two Pray that we would be mindful of the spiritual legacy that we are establishing for Oak Valley Baptist and for that presence in the community that will serve generations to come. Day Three Pray that we would be motivated by the gospel as we give our money, time and talents for the building up of the Body of Christ at Oak Valley Baptist. Day Four Pray that we always may be found faithful. Day Five Pray that we will never rest on past accomplishments for Christ. How God spoke to me this week _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 31
PR AY E R G U I D E Week Three 1 Timothy 6:6-8; 17-19 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.17Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (NIV) Day One Pray for humility, as we remember God’s careful provision for us. Day Two Pray that our hearts would desire to see God’s kingdom come through the work set before us. Day Three Pray that God will reveal to us where our “treasures” lie. Day Four Pray that we will be faithful as stewards of God’s resources. Day Five Pray for greater faith. How God spoke to me this week _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 32
PR AY E R G U I D E Week Four Colossians 1:9-14 9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (NIV) Day One Thank God for all the believers who have faithfully prayed for you and your loved ones. Day Two Pray that we would walk in a manner pleasing to the Lord. Day Three Pray that God may find His church fruitful; working diligently to expand His kingdom. Day Four Pray for the knowledge of God’s will within the church. Day Five Pray that we might be the “Salt” and “Light” in our community. How God spoke to me this week _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 33
PR AY E R G U I D E Week Five Philippians 1:3-6; 9-11 3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. (NIV) Day One Pray that God will complete the good work He has begun at Oak Valley Baptist. Day Two Thank God for the privilege of being a partner in spreading the gospel through the ministries of Oak Valley Baptist. Day Three Pray that we will grow in our love for Christ and for each other. Day Four Pray for a mind of discernment. Day Five Pray that all of our actions are results of service to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. How God spoke to me this week _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 34
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