Your Sacrifice Matters: Building for Eternity
Have you ever wondered if your contributions to God’s work really make a difference? As we celebrate the completion of our new church building, it’s natural to reflect on the sacrifices made and the work put in by so many. But the truth is, your sacrifice and your work matter more than you may realize – not just for a building, but for eternity.
The Heart of Sacrifice
In 1 Chronicles 29, we see God’s people rejoicing as they gave willingly to build the temple. As Pastor Mike shared:
“Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly for with a whole heart, they had offered freely to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.” (1 Chronicles 29:9)
This joy in giving reflects a profound truth – we are simply mirrors reflecting God’s goodness. Everything we have comes from Him. As David prayed:
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all, both riches and honor. They come from you and you rule over all.” (1 Chronicles 29:11-12)
Our church has seen incredible generosity, with over $679,000 given beyond normal giving for this building project. But more than the amount, it’s the heart behind the giving that matters to God.
Your Work Matters
It’s not just financial contributions that make a difference. As we read in Exodus 35, God specifically gifted people with skills to build the tabernacle:
“He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work done by an engraver or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, or by a weaver, by any sort of workman or skilled designer.” (Exodus 35:35)
In the same way, God has gifted each of us with abilities to serve His kingdom. Whether you made phone calls, served in a ministry, or contributed your professional skills, your work matters. As James 1:2 reminds us, even the trials we face in serving can be counted as joy.
The Ultimate Question: What Profits a Soul?
While we celebrate this new building, we must remember the ultimate purpose behind it all. Pastor Mike challenged us with Jesus’ profound questions from Mark 8:36-37:
“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?”
These questions cut to the heart of why we sacrifice and serve. It’s not about a building – it’s about souls. Our giving, our work, our very lives should be focused on the eternal value of human souls.
For believers, we must ask ourselves: What worldly desires or ambitions are we unwilling to surrender for the cause of Christ? Where do we find our true identity?
For those who don’t yet know Christ, the question is even more urgent: What are you pursuing at the expense of your own soul?
Putting It Into Practice
As we move forward in our new building, let’s keep our hearts and minds focused on what truly matters:
- Celebrate God’s provision: Take time to thank God for His faithfulness in providing this new place of worship.
- Examine your priorities: Are you willing to sacrifice comfort, time, or resources for the sake of the gospel?
- Use your gifts: How can you serve the body of Christ with the unique abilities God has given you?
- Share the hope: Who in your life needs to hear the life-changing message of the gospel?
Remember, your sacrifice matters. Your work matters. But most importantly, souls matter for eternity. Let’s continue to build not just a physical structure, but a community that reflects God’s love to a world in desperate need of hope.
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We hope you enjoyed the sermon and would love to see you in person. Plan your visit to Community Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Tennessee today!