Building Project

In Ephesians, Chapter 4 Paul is exhorting his readers to live up to their Christian calling. As a young church, like a young person, the Ephesians had mostly been on the receiving end of things. This is right and natural. We do not expect infants to fend for themselves nor do we normally expect youths to carry the responsibilities of adulthood. But we do expect there to be growth over time until each one has attained self-sufficiency. Ideally, one develops an interest in, and the ability to invest in, the next generation, just as the mature had invested in them. This is the crucial transition that young married couples make when they move from self-interest to interest in their children and the world and society they will inhabit. Similarly, Paul had invested himself in the Ephesians without any obligation on their part. He had nurtured and shepherded them to a point where they could stand on their own. He said that they had received a “calling” and “grace” and that God had given them the gifts required to continue the process Paul had begun. Now he expected them to increasingly display the signs of that maturity. What were those signs? One was “works of service, so that the body of Christ might be built up…” (Eph 4:12) A sign of maturity is the willingness to sacrifice in order to serve the greater good.

Later, Paul says, “He who has been stealing must steal no longer…” Stealing is the ultimate act of selfishness. The remedy? The thief “...must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.” (Eph 4:28) Here we see that the remedy for selfishness is generosity. Elsewhere, the Bible teaches that the able-bodied must work to support himself and his family. But here Paul goes a step further. The mature work so they have something to share with others. Why do you work? Is it to pile up luxuries for yourself or so that you have something to share with others?
Living is giving. Paul wrote to Timothy, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1Tim 6:17-19) There is not a person reading this who would not be “rich” in any sense that Paul could have meant it. The generous person is the blessed person, in this life and the life to come.

Progress Report

1. We are right at the $2 million mark in total contributions. PTL!
2. The exterior “Look” of the building has been determined. An artist’s rendering is on display in the Church Foyer.
3. Floor plans are complete and are being drawn up for our various Fall presentations.

Dates to Remember

September 28 Reception at CBC for our neighbors to acquaint them of our plans.
October 9 Meeting before Burbank City Planning Commission

What you can do

1. Pray for the Building Committee and everyone involved with the project. Pray that our plans will be looked upon kindly by our neighbors and the city authorities.
2. Continue to give faithfully, as you have done so far!
3. Be patient as we work through the steps necessary to begin construction and then as we deal with the inconveniences arising from construction and the loss of use of the MSA.
4. Be thankful for God's blessings!