Christian Stewardship

WORKING CLASS

Imagine that all the money you have ever given to the Lord in tithes has been kept in a trust fund earning 10 percent a year. Before long, you will get it all back. Would you be rich? Or would you be no better off?

Malachi urged the people to stop holding back their tithes, to stop keeping from God what He deserved. They had been skimping on their tithes for sometime and it was affecting their bottom line. The tithing system had begun during the time of Moses (see Leviticus 27:30-34). It was set up by God to provide an income for the Levites who ministered in the tabernacle and later the temple of the Lord. (see Number 18:20-21).

During Malachi’s day the people did not give. They had forgotten that everything they had was from God; as a result, they stopped tithing. Because of this, the Levites were forced to earn a living and neglected their God-given responsibilities to care for the temple and the service of worship.

We too can fall into this trap when we forget that God is our real provider – everything we have comes from Him. When we stop giving God a portion of what He has given us, we essentially steal from Him. Be faithful in giving back a percentage of your income to God because there is still a practical reason for tithing. Our Pastor and other church staff depend on it. In addition, you won’t be disappointed with the interest rates God pays on your faithfulness to Him.>
There is a saying “Tithing is the debt you owe. Offering is the seed you sow”.

“You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. ‘ If you do’, says the Lord Almighty, ‘I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you’” Malachi 3:8, 10.

CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT

STEWARDSHIP FOR THE GRADUATES: HONORING FATHERS

The demands upon a father are great. God knew that our world would require courageous minds, watchful eyes, ready hands and true faith, so He created “fathers.”

Many fathers work long hours, maybe two jobs, sacrificing everything for their family. Too often we forget the price that our fathers have paid. We enjoy the fruits of their labors but fail to see the sacrifice behind those blessings.

A father leads by example. Children that are loving, kind, patient, forgiving and responsible must learn these traits. A father knows he cannot weaken, because his children believe in him; he cannot falter, because they trust him. God will surely fill his life with blessings and goodness.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT

STEWARDSHIP FOR THE GRADUATES: NO LONGER A CHILD

“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: But when I became a man, I put away childish things.” 1 Corinthians 13:11

The ability to handle the various affairs of life in an effective way is called maturity. The world’s hard knocks are too much for babyish people. A mature person takes his job seriously and does the best he can as long as he is on the job, regardless of pay.

Maturity can’t be bought with money. A mature person stays with a task until it’s finished. It’s hard to get a child to finish a job.

A mature person doesn’t enjoy feeling that he has been mistreated. A child does. A mature person doesn’t have to have his way about everything. The child says, “If you don’t play my way, I’ll pick up my marbles and go home.”

A mature person doesn’t have to head the list and be first in everything. But a child that doesn’t get to be first will often pout. A mature person is responsible. A child is not.

A mature person is more discerning, can better distinguish fact from fancy whereas a child believes anything you tell him. A mature person is flexible and adaptable. But a child finds it difficult to change his plans. A mature person can take the stress and strain of life. A child will soon break under stress.
The best place to find help in maturing is the Bible. It talks about growing. It develops responsible people with a whole new concept of living.

CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT

ARMCHAIR CHRISTIAN???

A lot of us are armchair gardeners. We love to read about flowers and plants, study landscaping guides and attend flower shows. But we do very little actual gardening. We may have a few house plants but seldom go out and dig in the dirt and plant anything.
Well, some of us have become armchair Christians. We read our Bible and other devotional materials. We attend worship service, but we are doing very little to become involved in the life of the Church.

Every Christian is called to act. It is much more comfortable to sit inside and think about gardening than it is to get covered with dirt and suffer sore muscles from actually working in the garden. We seek the comfortable rather than to risk the discomfort of reaching out and getting involved. But Jesus calls us not to a life as armchair Christians but to a life of service. In our sanctuary reads this message: “A People Ready For Ministry”.

Serving others is a Christian’s best way to become more like Christ. Jesus often stated that He came not to be served but to serve. If you see or know that something needs to be done, don’t wait to be asked. Take the initiative and do it like a faithful servant. When you serve others – even in carrying out ordinary tasks – you are serving God.

“Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers.” James 1:22

CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT

THE GREAT TAPESTRY

One activity a lot of women particularly enjoy is needlework; cross-stitch, embroidery, needlepoint and the likes. The finished project is, of course, the ultimate goal, but a good deal of enjoyment comes from actually working on the piece. Every stitch is important to the finished design. None can be missed, so attention must be given to the smallest detail.

Christian service is much like needlework. Every job that we undertake, every act of love performed in Christ’s name, is part of God’s grand design. We can work in our ministries with faithfulness and diligence, knowing that our part in the great tapestry of Christianity is very important to God’s final, all-encompassing design.

As the Senior Usher Board celebrates yet another anniversary of service in the Lord, we thank God for their faithfulness and dedication in their ministry of stewardship. They show through their actions the Good News about Jesus and how, through Him, everyone can have a personal relationship with God.

“For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Psalms 84:10

CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT

BE NOT AFRAID; BE ANCHORED IN TIME OF TROUBLE

“Trouble doesn’t last always,” however, handling it is often difficult for all of us. We Christians believe in Jesus. We believe that He is both God and human, and as such loves and cares for us. We believe these things because the Bible tells us they are true and because we have experienced them often in our lives.

But sometimes our world grows dark, and Jesus seems to tarry. Sometimes conditions worsen, as they did for the disciples. We look for Jesus but we cannot see Him. At times like this John 6: 16-20 can take on deep meaning for us. The disciples rowed furiously trying to save themselves. Then they saw Jesus walking toward them on the water. Predictably, this spectacular and unnatural act frightened them. Then Jesus said, “It is I; be not afraid.” Jesus was inviting them to trust Him in the most frightening circumstances. He was asking them to believe even when it seemed impossible.

Jesus knows the best time to act. When you feel that He has forgotten you in your troubles, remember that He has a time schedule that we can’t see. His timing is perfect. It is easy to become impatient while waiting for Him to act, but we must never give up.

We can look for Jesus in our darkness and our troubles. Things may get worse, but He will come to us too, as He did to the apostles in the boat, in His own way and time. He can calm your rocking boat. Watch for Him and listen for His words above the storms of life. In our darkest places Jesus comes to us and says to not be afraid.

“When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water and they were terrified. But He said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”
John 6:16-20

CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT

A GOOD MOTHER/WOMAN IS…..

Many Mothers today have come to a difficult crossroads. Some “career women” regret not devoting more time to their children; some “stay-at-home Moms” regret not having a career.
A wise Mother will give serious thought to Proverbs 31. Contrary to popular belief, this passage does not describe an ideal too lofty to attain--no, the chief characteristic of the truly noble woman is balance. That’s what happens when each of us takes our cues from God and God alone. It’s the message of the entire book of Proverbs.

Proverbs ends with a positive description of a godly woman—a woman of strong character, great wisdom, many skills and compassion. Some people have the mistaken idea that the ideal woman in the Bible is passive, submissive, and domestic. Not so!

This woman takes her role as a wife and mother quite proactively. She does not delegate her responsibilities to someone else. She manufactures, imports, manages, invests, farms, sews, buys, sells, and shares.

Her strength and dignity do not come from amazing achievements, but from reverence for God. Her attractiveness comes from her strength of character.

A godly Mother is one who strives to be a person of character, integrity, devotion and balance.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed.” (Proverbs 25-28) NIV

CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT

TITHING / STEWARDSHIP

TRADE SECRETS OF A CHEERFUL GIVER

“Now you should carry this project through to completion just as enthusiastically as you began it. Give whatever you can according to what you have.” 2 Corinthians 8: 11

It is easy for us to promise to give to the church or other Christian causes. But when it comes time to write out the check, our enthusiasm can quickly dwindle.

The Corinthians were guilty of this. They had made a commitment to give an offering, but then it came time to give, they changed their minds. This presented Paul with an opportunity to talk about giving and to hold the Corinthians accountable.

To avoid such situations, there are three steps you can take to maintain your enthusiasm when you give.

First, realize that how you give matters more than how much you give.

Second, budget for giving. Control your spending habits so that after you give to God, you will have enough left to meet all of your financial obligations. That way you will not have to go back on your word in order to pay your bills.

Third, realize that material wealth will not bring eternal satisfaction. Wealth can, however, be used to glorify God and lay up treasures in heaven, both of which will bring you eternal satisfaction.

If you’ve made a commitment to give to Conference Claims, to Tithe or a pledge to the Wellness Center, do it. If you can give anything at all, give it.

The amount isn’t the issue. The motivation and attitude is.

CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT

TITHING / STEWARDSHIP

WHEN GOD SAYS THANK YOU

Jesus always notices women who throw everything they’ve got into the Lord’s work! Sitting near the treasury at the temple, Jesus drew His disciples’ attention to a poor widow. She was, I’m sure, unaware that Jesus was watching. She didn’t have to be watched as she gave God everything she had. Her two small copper coins would have bought her a small meal, but she decided to go hungry and give her money to God instead.

Two small coins weren’t much. They weren’t noticed, they weren’t appreciated by other people until Jesus came along and saw what she did and made sure the twelve apostles saw it. He made sure that Luke and Mark recorded it and that the whole world ready about it. Solomon’s temple would stand without the help of the widow’s coins, but Jesus knew that sort of giving was the stuff of which the kingdom was made. Jesus always notices the small offerings given from the heart. Does financial strain limit you to giving little when you desire to give much? If you’ve indeed cast in all you possibly can of your money, time and service, God understands. He affirms you in it. He says “Thank You”.
And Jesus looked up and saw the rich men casting their rich gifts into the treasury. And He saw also a certain poor widow casting in two small coins. And He said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has cast in more than all of them. For all these people gave their gifts out of their wealth, but she out of her poverty, has cast in all that she has.” Luke 21: 1-4

CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT

SAINTHOOD

“To all God’s beloved...who are called to be saints.” Romans 1:7 There was a lay volunteer in a particular church who faithfully visited members and non-members in the many hospitals of the city. Each week he called on shut-ins and people living in nursing centers. On Fridays he spent the day at the church helping with the distribution of food and clothing to the needy and street people. Someone once said of him, “That man is a saint in shoe-leather.”

Sainthood is not limited to Biblical figures. All Christians are set apart to be saints, for a saint is simply one called and equipped by God to serve and be committed to their own special ministry.

Serving others, even in carrying out ordinary tasks, you are serving God. If you see something that needs to be done, don’t wait to be asked. Take the initiative and do it like a faithful servant of God, a “Saint.”

Let us rejoice that each of us, as a follower of Jesus Christ, is called to sainthood and that by God’s grace all of us have within our lives the seeds of true saintliness.

GOD CALLS US TO BE SAINTS. HOW SHALL YOU RESPOND?

CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT

FAMOUS LAST WORDS

The last words of many famous people have been recorded and pondered. Final statements from the lips of the dying become a rich source for everything from term paper quotations to attention grabbers in sermons.
This last passage of Matthew contains Jesus’ famous last words. But unlike the somber, reflective words of a dying man, Christ’s words have a triumphant ring to them. That’s because he has overcome death and has faithfully completed the task given to him by his Father. As Jesus prepares to return to his Father, he gives his disciples their final mission. He commissions his disciples to reach the world for him.

Just before leaving the earth, Jesus gave his disciples some final instructions.
“Go and make disciples.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
Although Jesus gave this command to the disciples present at his ascension into heaven, it still applies to all believers today. Every disciple needs to make other disciples, to tell others about Jesus and his invitation to receive his as Savior and Lord.

Some imagine that the job of sharing the good news about Christ falls mainly to full-time evangelist or preacher, but that’s not what Jesus said on that mountain. Any method of communicating the gospel, any means of helping people feel or recognize their need for Christ, any help to others taking steps of faith makes disciples.

Jesus didn’t limit the spreading of the Good News to formal presentations in front of crowds. Pastor Bean recently challenged us to be witnesses and all believers can communicate the news about Christ and we all have gifts that we can use to tell his story in a significant way.

“Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him – but some of them still doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. There fore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:16-20.

CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT

“ Sound The Trumpet...Go Forth Ye Heralds In The Name Of Jesus"

Stewardship is the practice of Christian Life. It is what we do with our lives; loving, giving, working and committing to Christ’s kingdom.

Every member of the worldwide African Methodist Episcopal Church is REQUIRED to pay annual CONFERENCE CLAIMS to support the Connectional Budget. The budget is in effect a statement of the Church’s platform and priorities.

HOW YOUR MONEY IS USED THROUGH THE CONNECTIONAL BUDGET

Christian education, church sponsored publications, Women’s Missionary Society, and lay education and training, which emphasizes teaching lay members the history and doctrine of the A.M.E. Church, are a part of the budget.

The fund provides scholarships for students pursuing theological education in seminaries of that student’s choice. All students in seminaries sponsored by the A.M.E. Church receive a scholarship of $1,000.

In addition to educational institutions such as Wilberforce, Morris Brown, Allen University, Payne Theological Seminary, the extended budget in education includes Jordan Agriculture School, Richard Allen High School, and Anne Heath Primary School which are educational institutions in West and Southern Africa.

~ Tithing ~~

The Act of Giving to God

One Tenth of What you Earn

THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

I believe in God The Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified dead, and buried. The third day He arose from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Church Universal, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sin, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.

WELCOME
Welcome to Historic St. Paul A. M. E. Church celebrating 181 years of existence. The mission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and environmental needs of all people by spreading Christ's liberating gospel through word and deed.

At every level of the Connection and in every local church, the African Methodist Episcopal Church shall engage in carrying out the spirit of the original Free African Society, out of which the A.M.E. Church evolved; that is, to seek out and save the lost, and serve the needy through a continuing program of :
(1) preaching the gospel, (2) feeding the hungry, (3) clothing the naked, (4) housing the homeless, (5) cheering the fallen, (6) providing jobs for the jobless, (7) administering to the needs of those in prisons, hospitals, nursing homes, mental institutions, senior citizens' homes; caring for the sick, the shut-in, the mentally and socially disturbed, and (8) encouraging thrift and economic advancement.

As you enter, pause to pray, asking God's Blessing on your service today. Whether or not you are a guest or a member, we are thankful you are here today and welcome you in the name of Christ.

To those seeking a church home, we offer fellowship with the loving Savior, membership in His Church and citizenship in His eternal Kingdom.

CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP / CONFERENCE CLAIMS

Each member is asked to contribute $150.00 per year for Conference Claims. It is understood that not everyone can give $150.00. Let us commit to give no less than $75.00 per year.

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