Sunday Bulletin – 20 July 2025

Pastor Brian Chua | Jul 21, 2025

My beloved in the Lord,
Giving to God is never a waste. By our giving, we acquire something that is impossible to gain in any other way. The benefits of giving are great, but often the use of money is the acid test of character in a true Christian. Some people think that to give God their best robs them of what is best for them. This attitude is further from the truth. Giving to God brings His favor through obedience and is worth more than anything anyone could ever buy or obtain.

The Israelites battled this attitude. When God brought them out of Egypt’s bondage, their gratitude had no bounds. When Moses told them they were to build a tabernacle in the wilderness, their offerings were so generous that he had to restrain them from giving more. They laid their lives and all their possessions on the Lord’s altar in worship (Exodus 35). But centuries later, Malachi rebuked the children of those previous generations. Once so generous, they were now bringing the sick and lame of their flocks to offer on the altar. They kept the best for themselves and gave the leftovers to God.

“’When you offer the blind as a sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? Offer it then to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you favorably?’ says the Lord of hosts” (Mal. 1:8).
Their miserable offerings were a dishonor to God. They were a generation who never knew Egypt or the miracles God performed to set their fathers free from slavery. They saw nothing wrong with giving God the leftovers of their possessions and keeping the best for themselves. Giving God the trash of life is disgraceful, selfish and sinful.

Jesus taught a parable about a Pharisee who prayed self-righteously in public and a tax collector who prayed humbly in private. The Pharisee gave his tithes but had much to boast about, while the tax collector had nothing to boast about and could only give himself. Jesus said the tax collector left justified before God, while the Pharisee did not (Luke 18:9-14).
Giving yourself to God is your greatest honor. Who do we live our lives before – the Lord, or men? Giving your best to God is not a waste – it is a glory! Jesus taught that when you have the opportunity to do something that will glorify God, you must do it. God is worthy of our very best. He is no man’s debtor; therefore, no man can put God in his debt (Ps. 50:12-15). The Lord always gives more in return which keeps Him from becoming a debtor to any man. Amen!

We rejoice and celebrate with our dear Senior Pastor Daniel’s forty two Ministerial Year of serving the Lord selflessly. Hallelujah!

Shalom in Jesus’ love,
Ps. Brian Chua