Building Update
Stewardship After The Fire
November 15, 2007
Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ of Malibu Presbyterian Church,I am still in a state of shock about what has happened these past two-weeks. I have come to grips with the fact that our church building burned down, but what really is amazing to me is that our story received top billing in the news. We were the lead story in the LA Times even over Iraq, Iran and the other fires raging in southern California. Since the fire, I have done dozens of interviews with local and national network stations including: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CNBC, CNN, and TBN. A friend of mine was surprised to see me on German television, speaking German no less! Can you believe it?
My “fifteen-minutes of fame” are now over, but I believe MPC’s time to shine more brightly is still ahead.
My message to the world all throughout has been that we lost a
building, but not our church. We are an Easter faith people: just like
Jesus we will rise up again on Malibu Canyon Road!
Several news crews said they wanted to chronicle the rising of our church. They want to be there when we start and finish our building. What will they see? Of course they will see a new building, but more than that they will be able to see clearly the results of the commitments we make now to Christ and His church. In other words, the commitments we make now to God in worship, fellowship, discipleship, service, and outreach will shape the future vibrancy of our church. It may seem like a daunting task to recommit, regroup and reorganize at a different location until our new facility is built, but Christ has promised to be with us always, even until the end of the world (Matthew 28:20).
Isaiah said of our God,
As we approach our Stewardship Commitment Sunday on November 18, I would ask that you prayerfully consider your part in helping our church rise up out of the ashes to the glory of God. Now is an opportune time for us to consider the gifts of time, talents, and treasure that God has blessed each of us with, and how we might use them to build up Malibu Presbyterian Church.
Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Where is Christ calling you to be a light with your time, personal
abilities, and material goods? During the next week please pray about
the percentage of time, talent, and money that God is calling you to
contribute to His work both here at MPC and outside His church.
Meditate on the following scripture verses for guidance.
We have an exciting “Joshua Moment” now in front of us. Remember Joshua’s words to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land? At that time, some of God’s people were tempted to serve lesser gods, but Joshua proclaimed boldly that for him and his household, they would serve the LORD (Joshua 24:15). May we resolve to do the same.
I am looking forward to rising up out of the ashes with you to the glory of God.
Joyfully in Christ,
Greg
Several news crews said they wanted to chronicle the rising of our church. They want to be there when we start and finish our building. What will they see? Of course they will see a new building, but more than that they will be able to see clearly the results of the commitments we make now to Christ and His church. In other words, the commitments we make now to God in worship, fellowship, discipleship, service, and outreach will shape the future vibrancy of our church. It may seem like a daunting task to recommit, regroup and reorganize at a different location until our new facility is built, but Christ has promised to be with us always, even until the end of the world (Matthew 28:20).
Isaiah said of our God,He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:29-31 (TNIV)
As we approach our Stewardship Commitment Sunday on November 18, I would ask that you prayerfully consider your part in helping our church rise up out of the ashes to the glory of God. Now is an opportune time for us to consider the gifts of time, talents, and treasure that God has blessed each of us with, and how we might use them to build up Malibu Presbyterian Church.
Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Where is Christ calling you to be a light with your time, personal
abilities, and material goods? During the next week please pray about
the percentage of time, talent, and money that God is calling you to
contribute to His work both here at MPC and outside His church.
Meditate on the following scripture verses for guidance.
- For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. LUKE 12:34 (TNIV)
- Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 1 PETER 4:10 (TNIV)
- I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving. 2 CORINTHIANS 9:7 (MSG)
We have an exciting “Joshua Moment” now in front of us. Remember Joshua’s words to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land? At that time, some of God’s people were tempted to serve lesser gods, but Joshua proclaimed boldly that for him and his household, they would serve the LORD (Joshua 24:15). May we resolve to do the same.
I am looking forward to rising up out of the ashes with you to the glory of God.
Joyfully in Christ,
Greg