Extraordinary Sacrifice || Bishop Paul Sharp

Feeling the presence of God is a profound experience that brings us together in worship and community. As we gather, we are reminded of the importance of our roles in building and sustaining the church. God has given us the responsibility to be co-laborers with Him, to tend to His creation, and to build His church. This partnership with God requires us to invest our time, resources, and hearts into His kingdom. We are called to make sacrifices, just as David did when he sought to build a temple for God, even though he was not the one to see it completed. His investment laid the foundation for Solomon's temple, teaching us that our sacrifices today can yield extraordinary results for future generations. The story of Mary anointing Jesus with costly ointment illustrates the depth of gratitude and love that should drive our giving. Her act of worship was not about the value of the ointment but about the value of what Jesus had done for her. This challenges us to consider what we are willing to give for the kingdom of God. Our sacrifices, whether financial, time, or effort, are not just about the immediate results but about investing in something greater than ourselves. As we look to the future, we are reminded of the need for a new building to accommodate our growing congregation. This requires extraordinary sacrifice from each of us. We are called to fast, pray, and give generously, trusting that God will honor our sacrifices and provide for our needs. Just as Elijah's sacrifice on Mount Carmel brought about a miraculous response from God, our sacrifices can lead to extraordinary outcomes. In the coming weeks, let us seek God's guidance on how we can contribute to the future of our church. Let us be willing to give more than we have before, knowing that God will do more than we can imagine. Our sacrifices are not just about what we give up but about what we gain in return—an opportunity to be part of God's work and to see His kingdom grow.