Last Sunday, the Church Committee shared about the property the church is going to purchase under the trusteeship of Elders Chin Tian and Kerh Li.  We thank God that they have willingly shouldered the legal responsibility of guarding this property for us.  I shared about several principles in giving according to “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7).

First, exercise wisdom and calculate how much you can give.  You should not give if that giving will land you into harmful financial debts.  Second, every giving must involve some sacrifices.  It is not possible to give when you refuse to make sacrifices.  You must be willing to lose something because you love your Lord.  Once you have calculated how much you can give and are willing to make some sacrifices, give cheerfully to the Lord.  If you cannot give cheerfully, do not give.

Third, our Lord Jesus promises us that it is more blessed to give than to receive.  Our Lord always keeps His promises.  You must believe Him.  I also emphasized that since the person who is going to stay in this new “house” is you, it is only right, as far as it is possible, that you raise the money on your own and not expect outsiders who are not going to stay in this new house to provide you the funds.  The amount we have to raise is about $760,000.  At this time when I am writing, the fund stands at $368,000 (gift) and $370,000 (loan).  We thus have an outstanding amount of about $22,000 which we have to raise by 30^th March 2012, about one and a half months from now.

I am very touched by the testimony of this church.  Before last Sunday, you have already been giving to the church building fund for some time ($150,000).  And now, you have raised such a big amount at such a short notice.  But I am moved more so because you have given sacrificially.  I know that for many of you who gave, you do not have much but yet you still gave.  For those of you who have more ability to give, you gave sacrificially.  If you do not have money and sincerely wish you could give or give more, God is also pleased with you because you have given in spirit.

For that reason, the objective of this exercise of raising funds has been met.  It has been met, not because we have raised all the money but because your faith has been exercised when you gave or lent by faith in God and out of love for your Saviour who has given you eternal life.  Indeed, how can you say you are grateful to the Lord for saving you out of hell and giving you eternal life and yet refuse to give when you could?

The challenge is not over for two reasons.  First, we still have a substantial amount to raise–$22,000.  Second, in the years that follow, we have to repay a loan of about $370,000.  We need all of us to continue to give faithfully in the months and years that follow as God enables you.  This is the Lord’s work.  I know the Lord will provide.

As a shepherd of God’s flock, this is my heart’s desire: May the Lord make you rich people so that you can enjoy the material things and good pleasures of this world.  When I hear that one of you is promoted at work, or is earning more money, is well and healthy, I am very happy for you.  Thus, I wish that you need not give any money to the church building fund.  Then, you have more money to enjoy life.

Why then do I urge you to give?  A main reason is because we need money to buy this property.  But a more important reason is because, when you give to the Lord, your faith will be strengthened and the Lord will bless you with His rich blessings.  You will be a far happier person.  Thus, I urge you, as the Lord gives you ability, to give.  For now, as your pastor, I want to commend you: Well done.