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“What Does Jesus Do During the Offering Time?”
Hillcrest Church Office
November 19, 2003


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“What Does Jesus Do During the Offering Time?”
by Tom Goodman

God says he will honor us as we honor him (1 Samuel 2:30).  So, we’ve been looking at the four biblical ways we honor God:  our worship, our prayers, our lifestyle, and our stewardship.  This Sunday we conclude our series with a look at how our offering honors God.

A client once wrote a company for information about their product.  In the letter he specifically stated that he did not want a salesman to call on him.  However, since the information he had requested was rather technical and could not be adequately communicated in a letter, the company sent a salesman.

When the representative showed up at the man's office, he received a very cold reception.  He repeatedly reminded the salesman that his letter clearly stated, “No salesman!”

The sales rep was a trainee and had very little experience in sales.  “Mister,” he said, “I'm about as close to a ‘no-salesman’ as they’ve got.”

When it comes to sermons on giving, I’m about as close to “no salesman” as you can get!  If I had to make a living as a fund-raiser, I’d starve.

But stewardship is a discipleship issue, not a fund-raising issue.  I’m not called to be a fund-raiser, but I am called to train disciples.  Part of that training involves what we are to do with our money.

Every Sunday we have a time in our service where offering plates are passed.  This Sunday we’ll take a look at what Jesus does during our offering time.  In Mark 12, we find a story that can help us understand that.  There we find him carefully observing the giving habits of worshippers.  In the end, only one impressed him, and he honored her.

In Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV), the wise man said, “Honor the Lord with your wealth,” and then he added this promise:  “Then your barns will be filled to overflowing.”  God honors those who honor him—with their worship, their prayers, their lifestyle . . . and their giving!

See you at 8:15 or 10:30!
Tom

P.S.  Would you like to do something that takes very little time, feels really good, makes you a better person, and has an important impact in God’s kingdom.  Be a PRAYER PARTNER in the Upward Basketball program.  Signing up is as easy as taking this link to www.HillcrestAustin.org/prayerpartner.html or calling Patty Waldo at 836-2054.  You will receive (1) an Upward Calendar that gives you specific prayer requests for each day in the Upward season, (2) the names of several children and volunteers to pray for throughout the season, (3) an Upward Prayer Pin to remind you to pray each day, and (4) the satisfaction of knowing you are making an important contribution to this wonderful program that will reach over 200 kids and their families.  The 100 days of prayer start on November 30.  Don’t wait!  Sign up now.



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