Nicole Wiesen
August 2018

Giving as an act of worship

Acts 4:32-35 – “Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.”

It is always so encouraging to me to read this passage in the Book of Acts, because it captures the kind of church that I want to be a part of: A church with such unity amongst a group of ordinary people who cared so much for one another that they were of one heart and soul, believing in God and sharing everything in common. What a safe haven it must have been, with not a needy person among them. And when there was a need, people gave – abundantly – to one another to meet that need. How incredible and amazing! How simple, right and uncomplicated this perfect love of God looks and feels like. Just imagine how God must have been smiling down from heaven, seeing his children living out His commandment to love one another.

It’s no surprise to me that this kind of community is what draws me to Santa Clara First Baptist Church. Our church has the same compassion and commitment to serve others as the early church in described in Acts did. We are a community of believers who worship God not only with our giving of money, but also with the sharing of our time and our talents. There are so many testimonies from people who attend SCFBC, and who have been deeply touched by receiving care and love and warmth from this Body of Christ. It pleases God when we give of our money, time, and talents to build up the Body of Christ locally and globally.

We give to God as an act of thanksgiving and gratitude for all He has done in the past, is doing in the present, and will do in the future. Keep on worshiping God and thanking God for being the giver of all that we have, and for supplying us with all that we need. Everything we have comes from God and belongs to Him. Our job is to be good stewards of what He has graciously given to each of us.

Service Opportunity

If you are interested in serving on the SCFBC Board of Directors, we will have four vacancies at the end of the year, December 31, 2018. The term of the new board members will start on January 1, 2019, and they will serve for two years.