In this sermon, Rev. Geoff McKee discusses what equality and fairness means in the Church.
You can download a PDF version of the sermon by clicking here.
2 Corinthians 8:7-15 (New International Version)
7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
10 And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11 Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, 15 as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”
The telephone rang in the minister’s study.
“Hello, is this Rev. Johns?” the caller asked.
“Yes it is.”
“This is Inland Revenue. We wonder if you can help us?”
The minister felt butterflies in his tummy. Why was the tax department ringing him?
Nervously, he replied: “I’ll do the best I can.”
“Do you know a Bruce Parker?” asked the tax inspector.
“Why, yes” replied the minister. “He’s a member of my congregation.”
“Did he donate £10,000 to the church building fund?” [Read more…]
