Category: Possessions

  • Blessed to be a blessing

    Blessed to be a blessing

    When dealing with money, the ultimate issue is the state of our heart and mindset. This is crucial because money promises things that only God can truly provide.

    The topic of money is often difficult and rarely spoken about in church, leading to confusion about its role. Historically, some believed that to be poor meant being spiritual, while having money suggested one was backsliding. However, God loves you and desires to bless you, including financially.

    The key message regarding finances is that God blesses you to be a blessing; the wealth is not intended solely for your use. When dealing with money, the ultimate issue is the state of your heart and mindset. This is crucial because money promises things that only God can truly provide.

    We must recognize that money is both physical and spiritual, and this duality is where conflict often arises. If we only treat money physically (focusing on income and expense), we mistakenly think that obtaining more money will solve our problems.

    Tithing is essential for engaging the spiritual dimension of money. Tithing is an act of obedience, not generosity, returning to God what rightfully belongs to Him. When you tithe, you move the money from the physical realm into the spiritual realm. When money is placed in God’s hand, He works with multiplication and exponents, leading to exponential growth, rather than the world’s system of addition and subtraction.

    God is the Owner of everything; therefore, money is a resource, and God is the true source. We are simply stewards who will eventually have to give an account for what we did with the money entrusted to us.

    Debt, which the sources suggest is a form of bondage, is identified as a major weapon used by Satan to prevent us from fulfilling God’s intended purpose. If we find ourselves struggling financially due to past decisions, we must realize that we do not have to remain there.

    We are invited to the King’s table, meaning God has provided us with everything we need for life and living. To break financial bondage and see God’s blessing, we must put Him first. This shift involves changing our habits and behaviors. Even starting by committing 1% of income to God demonstrates placing Him first, which redeems the rest of our money, enabling God to provide.

    ReflecT:

    1. What is my attitude towards wealth and financial matters, do I secretly associate wealth with being unspiritual?
    2. Am I dealing with my money only in the physical sense (income/expense), and what steps do I need to take to acknowledge and address the spiritual aspect?
    3. In my current financial struggles, where might money have become my primary source of security, rather than trusting God as the true Source and Owner?
    4. Since God blesses me to be a blessing, how are my current resources enabling me to impact the lives of others and the community?
    5. What concrete decision can I make today to begin intentionally putting God first in my finances, trusting His power of multiplication over my current circumstances?

    Closing Prayer

    Father God, we thank you that you have given us everything we need and have invited us to come and feast at your table. We confess, Lord, that we have not always dealt with money in the way you planned. We acknowledge that you are the Source, and we are merely stewards. We pray for the discipline to deal with our finances in the physical realm, and the wisdom to honor you in the spiritual realm, so that you may bless us. Help us to put you first in our lives. We pray that you provide what is needed for us to move forward and receive the abundant life you promised in Jesus’ name, amen.

    Watch the sermon on YouTube.

  • Bible Study – The Book of Acts, Part I

    The Unstoppable Journey: Lessons from the Jerusalem Church and Its Early Transitions

    Today, we’re embarking on a journey through the early chapters of the Book of Acts, exploring the foundational Jerusalem Church and the remarkable transitions that propelled the Gospel beyond its initial boundaries. Acts isn’t just a historical record; it’s a handbook for the church, revealing how the early believers operated and how the glorified Christ continues to work through His people.

    Part 1: The Jerusalem Church – A Foundation of Faith (Acts 1-7)

    The church began as a sect within the Jewish community in Jerusalem. What made “The Way” so distinctive?

    • Jewish in Character, Yet Unique: The early believers were Jewish, worshipping in the temple, observing customs and the Law. However, their distinguishing belief was that Jesus was the Messiah, and they practiced baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
    • Apostolic Leadership and Instruction: Initially led by Peter and John, and later by James, Jesus’ brother (who was not one of the original twelve disciples). The apostles provided essential teaching, which was placed first on the list of needs for the new believers. This instruction helped them understand that the Messiah was a suffering savior, a new perspective on the Old Testament scriptures they already knew.
    • The Upper Room and the Twelve: The gathering in the Upper Room (Acts 1:13-26) was crucial for the replacement of Judas. The choice emphasized the necessity of having twelve apostles to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. The successor had to have been with Jesus from His baptism until His ascension, witnessing His entire ministry.
    • Quality of Fellowship: The Jerusalem Church was marked by a profound sense of unity and joy. They met house-to-house to break bread and pray. A notable feature was the sharing of property (Acts 2:44-45), primarily to support a large influx of foreign Jews who had come for feasts and lacked means of support. This giving was not compulsory but demonstrated their deeply touched hearts.
    • The Ananias and Sapphira Incident (Acts 4:34-5:11): This severe judgment highlights the high quality of fellowship God expected. Their deceit was seen as a “little leaven” that could corrupt the “whole lump” of the new church, emphasizing the danger of dishonesty and hypocrisy within the community. Peter clarified that giving was a privilege and a free choice, not an obligation.

    Part 2: The Unstoppable March – Transitioning Beyond Jerusalem (Acts 8 onwards)

    Acts chapter 1, verse 8, serves as the key verse and structural outline for the entire book: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”. This outlines the geographical expansion of the Gospel, guided by the Holy Spirit.

    The transition from a Jewish sect to a universal faith was a gentle process, orchestrated by the Holy Spirit. He “weaned them away from temple worship and pruned them of attitudes towards Gentiles”, rather than imposing a whole new system at once.

    Here are the key steps in this remarkable transition:

    1. Stephen’s Sermon and Martyrdom (Acts 6:8-7:60): Stephen, chosen as one of the helpers, realized that Jesus fulfilled what the temple foreshadowed, hinting at the redundancy of the temple and Jewish worship. His powerful sermon and subsequent stoning led to intense persecution, causing believers to scatter from Jerusalem. This persecution, though harsh, served as a “Divine kick” that propelled the Gospel outward, planting churches wherever believers went. Saul (Paul) was present and approved of Stephen’s death.
    2. Philip’s Preaching in Samaria (Acts 8): Philip’s decision to preach in Samaria was a surprising action for a Jew, given the historical animosity between Jews and Samaritans. His ministry was endorsed by the apostles in Jerusalem, signaling early acceptance of outreach to non-Jews. This step helped overcome racial backgrounds and prejudices.
    3. The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40): This encounter highlights several principles: ministry to an individual is as important as to the masses, racial prejudices can be overcome (eunuchs were often excluded from full proselytization), and the method of preaching Jesus from the Old Testament was demonstrated.
    4. The Conversion of Saul (Acts 9, 22, 26): Saul’s conversion was one of the greatest events in church history, described three times in Acts. Jesus identified fully with His church when He confronted Saul, saying, “Why do you persecute me?”. The Lord commissioned Saul (who became Paul) as the Apostle to the Gentiles. Paul later affirmed that Jesus’ appearance to him was the last of the post-resurrection appearances.
    5. Peter’s Preaching to Cornelius (Acts 10, 11, 15:7): This was the final and crucial transition step, orchestrated by the Holy Spirit. Peter, staying with Simon the tanner (a ceremonially unclean trade), received a vision preparing him to accept Gentiles. Cornelius, a God-fearer, also received a vision. When Peter preached to Cornelius’s household, the Holy Spirit fell on them, proving that God admits Gentiles into the church without requiring them to become Jewish first. This event led to great rejoicing in Jerusalem, as they acknowledged that God had granted “even to the Gentiles repentance unto life”.

    This move introduced a note of universality into the kerygma (the gospel proclamation), meaning Jesus’ message and salvation were for everyone. This also raised the significant question of law vs. grace, which the church had to resolve. The emphasis shifted from a “Kingdom perspective” to the “forgiveness of sins and a right relationship with God”.

    Part 3: What Can We Learn from Acts Today?

    The Book of Acts is ultimately “about the activities of the glorified Christ”. It’s a story of ordinary men and women empowered by a wonderful God, demonstrating that they faced similar challenges as we do today.

    • God is in Control: Despite persecutions, troubles, and leadership changes, God has guided His church for two thousand years. The message of the Gospel is unstoppable.
    • The Holy Spirit’s Guidance is Key: The early church didn’t just stumble into these transitions; they were led by the Holy Spirit, who gently guided them in the right direction.
    • Persecution Can Lead to Growth: When persecution broke out in Jerusalem, believers scattered, inadvertently spreading the Gospel far and wide. God can use hardship for the advance of His kingdom.
    • The Power of the Word: The preaching of the Word always caused a stir, sometimes leading to controversy, but the message remained unstoppable.

    Let us, as Southside Church, be encouraged by the unstoppable march of the early church. May we embrace the continuous work of the glorified Christ through us, be open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and remain bold witnesses in our community and to the ends of the earth!

    Discussion Questions:

    1. What aspect of the Jerusalem Church’s fellowship resonates most with you, and how can we apply it today?
    2. How did the Holy Spirit’s “gentle guidance” in the transition period prevent overwhelming the early believers? What does this teach us about embracing change in the church?
    3. Which of the “transition steps” (Stephen, Philip, Eunuch, Saul, Peter) do you find most impactful, and why?
    4. The sources emphasize that Acts is about the “activities of the glorified Christ.” How does this perspective change how you view the Book of Acts and the mission of the church today?

    Here is an overview:

  • Masters of the Heart

    Masters of the Heart

    Our hearts are central to our being, and God’s Word instructs us to guard them diligently.

    “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23

    Our hearts are central to our being, and God’s Word instructs us to guard them diligently. Jesus spoke extensively about money as a significant threat to our hearts, describing it as the only thing, other than God, that seeks to sit on the throne of our hearts. Money, like power and sex, has both a dark and light side.

    Jesus taught us about where our treasure truly lies:

    “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

    This calls us to choose between earthly and heavenly treasures. He also contrasted a “good eye” with a “bad eye,” referring to generosity versus stinginess. Ultimately, Jesus makes it clear: “You can’t serve two masters”—God or Mammon.

    Another challenge Jesus addressed is worry. He encourages us not to worry about daily needs, assuring us God will care for us, just as He cares for the birds. Jesus’ solution to worry is profound: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” This challenges us to examine our values and where we place our trust.

    Consider two wealthy men who encountered Jesus with distinct outcomes. The rich young man went away sad, unwilling to part with his many possessions. In contrast, Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, declared he would give half his wealth to the poor and repay anyone he cheated four times over, leading to Jesus declaring, “Today, salvation has come to this home.”

    Biblically, the “heart” refers to the totality of our being—our mind, emotions, and will. We are called to bring all that we are to God.

    The Bible refers to only one person as “a man after God’s own heart”—David, the King of Israel. Despite his failures, David remained “a man after God’s own heart” due to:

    • Wholehearted Devotion: He was utterly devoted to God, determined to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem and establish proper worship.
    • Genuine Humility: He recognized everything came from God, and his repentance for his sins was profound and sincere.
    • Faithful Trust: He demonstrated complete faith in God, as seen in his encounter with Goliath, declaring “the battle is the Lord’s.”
    • Worship: He was a profound worshiper, pouring out his heart in the Psalms and passionately dancing before the Ark.
    • Kindness: He extended kindness even to his enemies, seeking out Mephibosheth, Saul’s crippled grandson, restoring his inheritance.
    • Generosity: He was generous, giving extensively to the temple project and encouraging his people to give sacrificially.

    Today, Jesus knows our hearts intimately. He is gracious and loving, desiring for us to come to Him and find freedom. Our response might involve a step of faith like tithing, giving more generously, or repentance in a relationship. As we approach communion, we are invited to search our hearts and respond to God’s heart for us, remembering His immense grace and self-sacrifice.

    Reflect:

    1. What “thing” currently seeks to sit on the throne of your heart other than God, and how can you intentionally guard your heart against it?
    2. In what ways do you find yourself storing up “treasures on earth” rather than “treasures in heaven,” and what practical step can you take to shift your focus?
    3. Are you serving God or Mammon? When confronted with a tough choice, where does your true allegiance lie, and how does this make you feel?
    4. How does a “scarcity mindset” manifest in your daily life, and what does it mean for you to “seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness”?
    5. Reflecting on the examples of the rich man, Zacchaeus, and David, what aspect of having “a heart after God’s own heart” do you feel God is calling you to grow in right now (e.g., devotion, humility, trust, generosity)?

    Closing Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that You alone are worthy of the throne of our hearts. Forgive us for allowing other things to distract us. Help us to guard our hearts, store up treasures in heaven, live with generous “eyes,” and seek Your Kingdom first. We pray for a heart like David’s—a heart of wholehearted devotion, genuine humility, faithful trust, fervent worship, deep kindness, and abundant generosity. May Your grace empower us to respond to Your call, finding freedom and wholeness in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    Watch the sermon on YouTube.