Jesus instructs the “rich young man” in Matthew 19:21, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor.” At first glance, this may sound like it comes out of left field. Nowhere does the Bible tell anyone to take a vow of poverty. Jesus never told anyone else to do this. Clearly, Jesus’ followers included people of means. But here, Jesus zeroes in on the missing ingredient in the man’s life – God and contentment with his provision.
Jesus knew what was missing in this young man’s life. He was missing a living relationship with God. He also knew that as long as a person fills his or her life with everything else there will never be room for God. If my hands are already full, I can’t take hold of God’s. If I am greedy with what I have, I will never fit in eternal treasure. A crowded life must do some emptying before God can come in. Jesus knew that. He also said, “only with difficulty will a rich person enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”
The real issue is not about the size of your bank account. It is a matter of the heart. A person can be poor and greedy and be just as enslaved to money as the man who is rich and greedy. Material possessions aren’t the only things that people use to try to fill the emptiness in their lives.
If we only focus on the first part of Jesus’ demand, we miss the main part. Jesus didn’t just say, “Sell what you possess.” At the end of that statement, he says, “and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Following Jesus is the ultimate issue. Getting rid of the things is only half the equation. Filling our lives with heaven’s treasure provides the real deal. With Jesus, everything falls into place. Without him, little else matters. So, where is your treasure?
Pentecost Sunday Worship
Pastor Glen will be focusing on stewardship once again this Sunday, which according to the Christian calendar is Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit as recorded in Acts 2, and the church being launched on its world mission! Glen’s sermon is: “The Law of the Harvest,” based upon 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. Please read this text in preparation for worship.
Adult Sunday School
Our Adult Sunday school class will meet this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the large Sunday school room. Please join Deborah Kleinschuster and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will continue our study of the Gospel of Luke. This Sunday we will study Luke 24: Jesus’ Resurrection, His walk to Emmaus, the appearance to His disciples, and His Ascension! Please join this wonderful class and bring your Bible!!
Hope Navigators
Tithes and Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, online giving opportunities are available on the website.
April Financial Report
Tithes: Monthly: $14,645 YTD: $64,666.64
Expenses: Monthly: $17,754 YTD: $61,128.90
Capital Campaign: $0. YTD: $4,009
Designated Giving: $0. YTD: $2,730
Golden Oldies
Fun time gathering (with Bingo and prizes) and discussion on future events. This will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13th at Panera Bread Community Room in Waynesboro. Looking forward to seeing you.
Prayer Concerns and Praise Reports
If you have any concerns you would like to add to the Prayer Concerns and Praise Reports list or give an update, PLEASE contact our prayer coordinator, Janet Coiner (540.447.0918) by THURSDAY at NOON!! Thanks so much!!
Driver Assistance
If you or someone in our congregation needs a ride to a doctor’s appointment or other appointment, please call Tom Reider (540.649.5162). He has agreed to coordinate rides. He has a list of those who have volunteered to give those rides. We are grateful for this important ministry!!
Mission Corner
This month, our own Tyler Bouthillier will be making a new promotional video for East Augusta WRE in conjunction with the teachers. We look forward to seeing the finished project. This year approximately 1,000 students are enrolled in grades k-5 in these 3 schools. Praise the Lord for this victory!”
Hope Blessings Donations for Love INC. We are collecting donations every three months. From April 1 to June 30, we are collecting personal hygiene items: toothpaste, tooth brushes (single packs), shampoo, soap, deodorant (male and female), brushes, combs, and small wash cloths. May we be a blessing to those families in need. There is a challenge to have 100 toothbrushes and 50 bottles of shampoo by June 30!! Let’s go for it! We are grateful for our partnership with Love INC!
Missions Team is active keeping in touch with our missionaries and other ministries. Please keep updated! You can visit our website and go to the Outreach page
May Birthdays
Larry Roberts (5/25)