We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
Every church has a niche in the kingdom, a trait that they are especially good at. CCC excels at mercy ministry and welcoming. The churches in Macedonia, Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, all had excellence in something. Philippi supported Paul greatly. Thessalonica was renowned for their faith, and Berea studied the Scriptures diligently. All three of them gave generously to the collection for the poor in Jerusalem. Lest they boast, Paul included a phrase that negates it and explains how they were able to do these things. It was the grace of God that was given them that enabled them to have these traits. Their contribution was faith, obedience to the word of God, and generosity, all from God.
Come to Cape Community Church tomorrow to worship this God of grace for what he has done in our lives. Lest we boast of our giving of our time and resources to the Lord, may we be mindful of Paul’s proclamation of God’s grace in the churches, not just the churches themselves. May that be a lesson for CCC, lest we boast. We are simply sharing with others what the Lord gives us, grace, mercy, and love. Come and see how much grace you can be blessed with and how you can be a blessing to others.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gifts of grace you have bestowed on us. Help us to see you as the source and share the Bread of Life with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church