preached @ Metro by Pastor Jeff Williams 4th June 2006

We have been given so much, they say we live in the land of the luck country. With that blessing comes responsibility. God's heart is for us to share what we have with others. 

The apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians to thank them for sharing in his needs as he took the message of the Kingdom to places that hadn't yet heard. In Philippians 4:10-19 we  hear Paul's heart as this letter to the church expresses his thanks and gratitude.

Since the begining of Metro our heart has always been to take up our responsibility in reaching others outside of our own nation with the message of the gospel. This letter which Paul has written is also a letter of encouragement to us as a church as we continue to give to the work of missions, specifically in the Pen Asia region of the world.

1. Mission churches have a concern for others - they aren't just focussed on their own needs.

2. Mission churches share in practical ways to support the work of missions. Their concern moves from prayer to actual practical assistance.

3. Mission churches understand that their giving is credited to their own account, because of the generous nature of the God that we serve.

4. Mission churches understand that their giving is worship unto God, which He loves!!

5. Mission giving churches also know that God will meet our own needs as we first share in meeting the needs of others, who are so close to the heart of God. 

Metro, I want to say thankyou on behalf of all of our missionaries and the work we are engaged in overseas. This year has seen our missions involvement go to a whole new level. You are a people who understand that God has blessed us, so that we can also now be a blessing to others.