Entrusted...
“for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints – 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.”
2 Corinthians 8:2-5, ESV
It’s a topic on which no pastor really wants to spend much time. Personally, I have attempted to address such when it is addressed in the passages of Scriptures we walk through (or applicable from those passages), only. But there comes a time when things must be discussed.
As of late, there have been some discussions concerning the finances of Foxworth First Baptist Church. There has been concern, & there have been conversations. As such, I want to address a few things.
Firstly, this church family, like all church families, cycles through times when there is more surplus and other times when there is not. From 2018 through 2022, we saw a slow but gradual increase in giving. In 2023, our giving fell a bit from 2022 (but still greater than 2021 and prior years). For this year (2024) we are on track to come in at a lower number than 2022. How much lower? Time will tell, but this is how things are trending, today. And who is to say that such a trend doesn’t change over the next few months?
- Within that not great news, we also saw our biggest giving week of the year on Aug. 25th (I’m sure several factors played into this...because we saw our lowest giving week of the year on Aug. 18th).
- We also are giving more, today, to missions than we were in 2018, including breaking church records concerning the Annie Armstrong (NAMB) & Lottie Moon (IMB) mission offerings (and I anticipate giving the most we’ve ever given to the Margaret Lackey (State) Missions offering this month!).
Secondly, we are taking care of our financial obligations. No bills are going unpaid. No staff member is being shorted their salary. No ministry has been cut or reduced. The Lord continues to graciously provide.
Thirdly, there is absolutely no doubt in my heart and mind (based on the authority of God’s Word): every single cent Foxworth First Baptist Church needs to walk in the good works God prepared beforehand that we should walk in...He has and is providing! Now, what does that look like? It looks like Him entrusting to each of us, individually, the funds needed in order for us to accomplish those things He calls us to, collectively. There is no question whether the Lord is providing it – the question is whether we will be found faithful with that He’s entrusted to us.
In 2 Corinthians 8 (if you are following our reading plan – you just read this chapter), God through Paul is encouraging the participation of giving (as worship). The grace we experience to be able to give comes from the Lord, and must be motivated by love for Jesus (see v.8).
As your pastor, I want to encourage you in this area of your walk with Jesus. Will you be a good steward of God’s grace in your finances by being a good steward of the money He has entrusted to you? Are you giving as worship unto Him because of your love for Him?
Many of you are, I’m sure, very faithful to give [thank you for your faithfulness!]. Some of us...maybe not so much. Wherever you are, will you take this to the Lord, allowing Him to lead you by His Spirit concerning your giving as worship to Him? Faithfulness in such will be a blessing to others...and it will also bless you!
May The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Cor. 13:14, ESV.
Friendly. Faithful. Focused. For the Glory of the LORD!
Pastor loves you, church!