CrossPoint Community News – December 3, 2021

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

       What a week since last Friday! Following a time of gatherings, food, and sharing (and a few close contacts with those who tested positive for COVID on Sunday), we are going to be fully online this weekend, with the hope of returning to church on Dec. 10th (a week from today). I hope this announcement finds you doing well, staying healthy, and enjoying a bit more time since you aren’t commuting to CBCGL this weekend.
       Here are a couple of things to note:

     1. The planned fundraising lunch for Youth STM has been postponed to January. It was supposed to be held on Dec. 5. Please sign-up to buy a meal and support youth STM in 2022!
     2. The Tuesday afternoon Bible Study at CBCGL on Dec. 7 will either be canceled or moved online. This is due to CBCGL showing an abundance of caution given that known close contacts (including me) were at CBCGL on Nov. 28.

       As we wrap up the book of Philippians this Sunday, I wanted to highlight some truths about giving. First, the book of Philippians, if anything, is a letter written to the church in Philippi to express thanks to the church for their support. They had been partners in the gospel (1:5); they had given a sacrificial offering in faith to support Paul (2:17); they shared with Paul in his trouble (4:14); they had been the only ones in Macedonia to partner with Paul in giving and receiving (4:15) having sent him financial assistance more than once (4:16).
       Second, when we give, the Lord takes note. Our Lord receives our financial gifts given to others as a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to Him. Do you see your giving as an offering, as a sacrifice, as something you can do that pleases God? Does your giving amount to an afterthought or to a sacrifice – something that is costly?
       Third, you can’t give more than God. Our giving is always derivative, in other words, we only ever give what has been given to us (1 Chronicles 29:14). God supplies all of our needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19). One commentator even notes, the needs of earth (man) never outstrip the supplies of heaven (God). Moreover, when we think about sacrificial giving, there is no one who has given more than God. The poor widow put in all the money she had (Mark 12:41-44), but God gave us himself – in his presence on earth, in the person, work, life and death of Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit who lives in us. All Glory be to God, through our Lord Jesus Christ!

        Finally, this is the last month of 2021 when you can give financially to support the ministry of CrossPoint Community and CBCGL. Please make sure that if you have moved, you update your address with the treasurer so that he can send you your donation receipt. Please give generously so that we have the resources to serve the community and share the good news of the generosity and abundance of our God!