Planned Obsolescence
Good Wednesday to you,
It is easy for us to differentiate between playing table tennis on a computer verses playing an actual game. As close as the computer simulation is, it will never be the same as the real thing. This is what the author of Hebrews is saying exists between the tabernacle set up by Moses and the Tabernacle that exists in heaven. This is the difference between the high priesthood established through Aaron and the High Priesthood of Jesus!
The New Covenant, the new agreement, does not depend on people; it depends on Jesus, written in our hearts and minds. This is the essence of the New Covenant God has established with the House of Israel, the House of Judah -- established on a better promise, one given to Abraham that would be a blessing to all the nations of the world, and we are invited in! Christianity has not "replaced" or superseded Judaism. Such institutional thinking goes against the biblical teaching that in Christ there is no Jew or Greek, male or female, free or slave. The better covenant is now written on our hearts and minds. We do not go to church; we are the Church! Speaking of the church in second or third person terms reflects institutional thinking and unhealthy theology. This is a major game-changer. We have a High Priest who brings us into the very presence of God, and we have become a priesthood of believers, ministering to a broken world. The good covenant is now a better covenant! Obsolete is the requirement for an earthy high priest to represent us before God.
Again, I want to thank Pastor John for covering while I was on vacation. He did a wonderful job. We are blessed with an amazing staff and I am grateful for each one.
We continue to follow the state guidelines for Sunday morning worship, but we are no longer restricted to 25% capacity. There is room in both services when you are ready to return to in-person worship. Please, do not feel any pressure to do so until you are comfortable. We will be here when you are ready, and will continue to livestream the 9:00 a.m. service.
A visiting worshipper asked me about offerings this past Sunday, and I informed him that with COVID restrictions, we are not able to "pass the plate" during worship. Instead, we place a plate in the narthex and outside by the Kirk Cottage. We are so grateful for your continued financial support. With upcoming repairs on the inside of the Kirk House, your support will be especially important.
Along stewardship lines, I recently learned of a tax strategy for those who are over 70 and must take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) each year from their IRA. As you know, RMD is taxable income. The tax tip is to have the RMD (or a portion of) sent directly from one's IRA to 501C3 charities (like GMPC). In this way, it is not taxable income. This satisfies the distribution requirements without increasing one's tax liability. This is a "win" for everyone. Along with gifting appreciated stock (full value gifted with no capital gains), this is a great way to support the ministry of Graham during very difficult times. If you are interested in learning more about this, this article is a good place to start.
As always, you are a blessing to me and you remain in my prayers.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.
