In the fourth chapter of his letter to the Philippian church, St. Paul exposes the real blessing of giving.
Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. – Philippians 4:14-20 ESV
Writing from prison, Paul rejoices in their gift. But notice that Paul is not thankful for the gift, per se. He tells them that he does not seek the gift, for he has already received full payment for his labours. Paul enjoys the blessings of an obedient life.
Instead, he rejoices because their gift demonstrates that they love, trust and honour God.
Paul glories in the generous gift that ‘increases fruit’ to their credit. Again, he describes their gifts as ‘a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God’.
My dear St. George’s, the same is true of you.
You are like the church in Philippi.
You have given generously.
On Easter Sunday, April 8th, we gathered together to worship our risen Lord. We also brought in our pledge forms and placed them on the offering plates. After a week of fasting and prayer we set a goal of $1,000,000 in cash and pledges to be received before April 30th, 2013. To date, we have received $916,915 before April 30th, 2013 and an additional $292,700 pledged over the next 5 years. Giving like this is truly a ‘fragrant offering’ and a ‘sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God’.
You have given sacrificially. So I rejoice in the ‘fruit that increases to your credit’.
This is a clear green light from the Lord and an affirmation of the strong mandate from you, our membership. On behalf of your parish family and your Executive Council, I write to simply say a heart-felt thank you.
As your pastor, I write not to thank you for the gifts, per se. Rather, I praise God for your trust in and obedience to the Lord as demonstrated by your sacrificial giving. I rejoice in the certainty that the word of the Lord is doing its good work in your life, as demonstrated by your sacrificial generosity.
Paul’s assurance to the Philippians is ours, too, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
We are presently $83,085 short of our immediate goal. While many of you have participated in the joy and blessing of giving and pledging, some have not yet turned in their pledge forms. Please take a moment to pray. Ask the Lord what offering would be acceptable and pleasing in his sight. Then simply trust, obey, fill out your pledge card and put it in the offering plate over the next few weeks.
Do not miss this opportunity to share in the joy and blessing of giving.
As you know, we expect our rezoning to be approved by City Council sometime in July or August. At that time the final condition of sale on the property will be met and we will be free to begin construction. However, we have drawn our own line in the sand. Without the full $1,000,000 pledged before April 30th, 2013 we will not turn the sod.
Pray earnestly. Trust deeply. Give generously.
‘To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.’
R. D.
