Reflections From Sunday Evening

Today we took a look at some passages in the Book of Nehemiah. Specifically Nehemiah 10:32 and 10:35. There is a phrase in the beginning of those verses that sets the stage for understanding the way the people approached the life of faith. "We assume the responsibility..." A governing principle in the Old Testament is assuming responsibility. This is grounded in commandments, or the Law, rules and regulations. If you read through the passage you find the practical way they fulfill this. They pay a Temple Tax. So the principle is "assuming responsibility", grounded in the Law and lived out by paying the Temple Tax. Here is a New Testament way of approaching life. The governing principle could be "invitation to participation." The invitation is grounded in grace. We live the faith in communion, or relationship with Jesus Christ. Invitation to participate in the life of grace does not negate assuming responsibility. It merely puts responsibility in a different perspective. Grace offers a way to the Lord that succeeds where law fails. Communion beats taxes! You are invited to the life of grace. You are invited to participate in the life of grace. On another note...We announced our current amount pledged to the HOME campaign. When I left church today we stood at $7,001,000. That is amazing! I am certainly looking forward to what God will do with this strong willingness to give and move into our future. We have been working on this campaign in earnest since July. It is well worth the effort. Cindy and I are going to take a couple of days off and get geared up for the next step. It's been a good day. (How 'bout them Chiefs!) I hope you've had a good day too. steve