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Grace News Issue #2 2015 - Sacrifice: Give Up, Take Up, Set Apart

Grace News Issue #2 2015

The theme of this issue of Grace News – sacrifice – is not a popular one in today’s world. If anything, nowadays we are urged to go to extremes to avoid having to make any kind of sacrifice, and if one is necessary we are supposed to at least make sure that it is widely acknowledged and amply rewarded. In this respect the gospel of Jesus Christ is truly counter-cultural. Jesus Himself is our sacrificial lamb and the perfect model of a life lived by giving up all that was due to Him as God’s precious son, including ultimately His life.

What about us? We are unlikely to be asked to give up our lives, unlike some Christians today, but there are many other things we could set apart for God, including our time, money, talents, and so-called ‘rights’. As Pastor Arnold reminds us on page 1, we are living sacrifices, and our lives should show this through our transformed thinking and behaviour.

GN 2Q15 image

At this juncture in the life of GBC, when we consider the idea of sacrifice our thoughts turn to the financial sacrifice we may be called upon to make as we set aside funds to rebuild the church. On pages 2 and 3 we interview four members of our church who reflect on the contributions they have made in the past, or are making now, to the rebuilding programme. Prepare to be inspired by these individuals and families who do not see their giving as a sacrifice but as a privilege and a blessing. How about our regular giving to the Lord? Turn to page 4 to read Tan Yee Kiat’s article on tithing, in which we learn that we may have overlooked the deeper spiritual significance of this important discipline.

Our ministry focus this issue is the Discipleship-Making Framework Taskforce. If you’re not sure what that is or who is involved, you need to read page 5! Page 6 highlights some of the activities that have taken place over the past 3 months, while on page 7 you can find out more about the Kairos Course and see photos from our recent missions weekend. Finally on page 8 read short testimonies from various members on things they have given up, taken up, or struggle with, for the sake of Christ.

As we think about sacrifice, let us remember our Lord’s sacrifice on the cross, and reflect on the words of Psalm 51:17: “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”

May you be blessed as you read.

The Editorial Team

gracenews.gbc@gmail.com

 

Read the previous issue of Grace News which emphsises the importance of persisiting in prayers here.