Quote of Note #237/Prayer Note #71: Right Use of our Surplus

"Grant that all who have a surplus of this bread may know by this very fact that they are appointed as servants, as dispensers of thy grace, that they are in thy service and in the service of others." K. Barth (click link below for full quote)

Quote of Note #235: On the Right Use of Wealth

"If one who takes the clothing off another is called a thief, why give any other name to the one who can clothe the naked and refuses to do so? " Basil the Great (for full quote click link below)

Quote of Note #183: Giving Myself Away for Christ

"But the truth is that there is enough time and enough wealth to go around. The people in the churches every Sunday outnumber the people who are on the streets and the number of people who are on welfare. If the church took up the responsibility of caring for the poor, of living internationally, of … Continue reading Quote of Note #183: Giving Myself Away for Christ

Pastor Note #137: Other People’s Sins & Reading the Bible

When reading the Bible, do you ever find yourself convicted about some sin in your life?  Do you find that the Bible sometimes points out something about the way you’re living that just isn’t right with God?  That’s uncomfortable, isn’t it?  Let me suggest a surefire way to keep that from happening.  Try to always … Continue reading Pastor Note #137: Other People’s Sins & Reading the Bible

Bible Note #52: James 2:5-7 & the Problem of Wealth

Photo by GAC I think I can safely say that James has a very low opinion of money and the accumulation of wealth.  Along with Paul, James gets his ideas about money and wealth from Jesus.  Jesus and all the New Testament writers are concerned about money and the accumulation of wealth because they believed … Continue reading Bible Note #52: James 2:5-7 & the Problem of Wealth

Quote of Note #61 — Generosity and Compassion

"There are people who are known to be very liberal [generous], yet they never give without scolding or pride or even insolence.  We are sunk to such a depth of calamity in this awful age that scarcely any alms are given, at least by the majority of men, without haughtiness and contempt.  The corruption of … Continue reading Quote of Note #61 — Generosity and Compassion

Quote of Note #42: Passing on God’s Generosity

"Scripture urges and warns us that whatever favors we may have received from the Lord, we have received them as a trust on condition that they should be applied to the common benefit of the church.  The legitimate use of the Lord's favors is liberally and kindly to share them with others.  You cannot imagine … Continue reading Quote of Note #42: Passing on God’s Generosity

Pastor Note #72 — Dealing With the Dangers of Money

          “You know, you can make a lot of money as a hospital administrator,” the man had said to me.  It was during one of my summer breaks from college, and I was working as a nursing assistant at a local hospital.  He had been chatting me up and had asked … Continue reading Pastor Note #72 — Dealing With the Dangers of Money

Pastor Note #21 — The Meaning of Money, the Power of Giving

  I do not think I exaggerate when I say that some of us put our offering in the plate with a kind of triumphant bounce as much as to say, "There--now God will feel better!" . . . I am obliged to tell you that God does not need anything you have.  He does … Continue reading Pastor Note #21 — The Meaning of Money, the Power of Giving

Pastor Note #20 — The Spiritual Exercise of Giving

So, my exercise regimen tends to change from time to time.  I am easily bored.  By switching from one thing to another – health club to high school pool to brisk walks in the neighborhood to strenuous biking.  I am currently in-between exercise programs.  I sort of like going to the gym.  Well, actually, I … Continue reading Pastor Note #20 — The Spiritual Exercise of Giving