Berea Update for September 19, 2025
Have you ever rented a space, or borrowed someone's car or tools? I'm guessing that most of you would answer "Yes" to that question. For those who have, I'm hoping that you have the attitude of wanting to return that item, or leaving that space in better shape than you received it. That's not just common courtesy, that's a part of the biblical idea of stewardship. The reality is, none of us truly own what we have. Everything we have is really just given to us by the Lord. We are entrusted to steward God's creation and all that we have in such a way as to point to Him. Sin's ugly curse makes the role of stewardship so incredibly difficult. Things deteriorate, sinful hearts are selfish, and it takes an incredible amount of labor to maintain what we have. But, this should not lessen our resolve to leave our circle of influence better than what we found it. As fall arrives, we see the harvest coming in. And this is a reminder to us that God brings about the harvest, and as a part of stewardship, we are to give back to Him. Stewardship is an act of worship--so how are you doing with that? This week's devotion below, dives deeper into stewardship. So many of us think in material terms, but stewardship is much more than that.
Upcoming Events
1. Please plan to join us on Sunday morning as we worship together! I'll be jumping back into the series, "Unshakable: Standing on the Promises of God" for the next two weeks. This week's message is called "The Promise You Can't Ignore." You'll have to be here to find out what that is! We'll be having a quarterly business meeting after the morning worship service this Sunday. Please plan to stay to hear important updates!
2. A new quarter of Sunday School is underway! If you couldn't make it for the first week, you are still invited and encouraged to participate in a class! For adults this quarter, there are two options:
A Study of the Sermon on the Mount
Teacher: Pastor Mark Gainer
Location: Family Life Center
This class, which is a continuation from the summer quarter, on the Sermon on the Mount, will explore Jesus’ transformative teachings in Matthew 5–7 diving into themes of kingdom living, righteousness, and discipleship. Discover how these timeless principles challenge and inspire us to live faithfully in today’s world. This sermon is as relevant today as it was back then! Participants will be encouraged to apply Jesus’ teachings to their own lives in very practical ways throughout the course.
A Look at the Apostle Paul
Teachers: Michael Greenwood and Pastor Brian Miller
Location: Front Left Room off Family Life Center
Join us for this exciting study on the life and ministry of Paul. We will study his pre-conversion life, including his dual citizenship, family, education, and early childhood. We will also review his miraculous conversion, ministry, and important missionary journeys. You will be challenged by his love and service to our Savior.
3. Many thanks to everyone who came to the Operation Christmas Child work day earlier this week! There is still much work to do though! So, there will be another Operation Christmas Child work day this week on Wednesday, September 24 from 10:00 AM- Noon here at the church. There are tasks for all ages, so please come if you are able to help!
4. Small groups will be launching soon! Beginning the week of October 5, groups will be going through a Bible study called "Beware of the Religious Imposters" using 2 Peter, 2 and 3 John, and Jude. Small groups is more than Bible study though! Come build relationships as you share life together as a group! There is time of prayer, encouragement, and support while groups fellowship together. Meeting locations and registration information will be coming in a separate email soon, so please be on the lookout, and we hope you are able to join one of the groups this fall!
5. Mark your calendars now for our next family fun night! On Friday, October 3, starting at 5:00 PM, we'll be out at Locust Hills Golf Course to enjoy an evening of food, fun, and fellowship together! There will be a four-hole golf scramble, a putting challenge, and if you're not a golfer, many other games for everyone to play! More details to come!
Ways You Can Pray This Week
1. Pray for our ministry leaders and Sunday School teachers. As the fall really gets started, we are so thankful for everyone who serves in important roles that keep our church ministries going!
2. Pray for our country and our leaders (federal, state, and local)! Pray that Christians may be salt in light in a dark world!
3. Thank God for His faithfulness and lovingkindness! (hesed)
***Please know that there are many individuals who need prayer this week due to health concerns and other events going on in their lives. Out of sensitivity to each individual's situation, these requests may not appear in this weekly blog. We have a "Prayer Team" at the church who receives more detailed information, and commits to praying for individuals in our church family.
This Week's Devotions
Day 1: Stewards of God’s Creation
Genesis 1:28 (ESV) – “And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’”
As Fall brings the harvest, we’re reminded of our role as stewards of God’s creation. God entrusted humanity with the care of the earth, calling us to manage it wisely and faithfully. Stewardship begins with recognizing that all we have belongs to Him.
Reflection Question: How can you actively care for God’s creation in your daily life this week?
Prayer Focus: Thank God for entrusting you with His creation and pray for wisdom to steward it well.
Day 2: Faithful with Little, Faithful with Much
Luke 16:10 (ESV) – “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”
The harvest season reminds us that God provides, but He also expects us to be faithful with what He gives—whether time, talents, or resources. Small acts of stewardship prepare us for greater responsibilities in God’s kingdom.
Reflection Question: What small area of your life can you steward more faithfully for God’s glory?
Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you be faithful in the small things, trusting Him to entrust you with more.
Day 3: Sowing with Purpose
1 Corinthians 3:6–7 (ESV) – “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”
Stewardship involves sowing seeds intentionally, whether through sharing the Gospel, serving others, or using our gifts. Like farmers in the harvest, we plant and water, trusting God to bring the increase.
Reflection Question: What purposeful “seeds” can you sow this week to advance God’s kingdom?
Prayer Focus: Pray for courage to sow generously and faith to trust God for the results.
Day 4: Giving as an Act of Worship
1 Chronicles 29:14 (ESV) – “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.”
The harvest teaches us that everything we have comes from God. Our giving—whether money, time, or energy—is an act of worship, returning to God what is already His. Stewardship reflects a heart of gratitude.
Reflection Question: How can your giving this week reflect a heart of worship and gratitude?
Prayer Focus: Thank God for His provision and ask for a generous heart that gives joyfully.
Day 5: Stewarding Our Time
Ephesians 5:15–16 (ESV) – “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”
The harvest season is a time of urgency, as crops must be gathered before they spoil. Similarly, we are called to steward our time wisely, investing it in what matters for eternity.
Reflection Question: How can you prioritize your time this week to align with God’s purposes?
Prayer Focus: Ask God for discernment to use your time wisely and to focus on what has eternal value.
Day 6: Caring for Others as Stewards
Galatians 6:2 (ESV) – “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Stewardship extends beyond resources to relationships. The harvest season, with its abundance, reminds us to share with others, bearing their burdens and showing Christ’s love through our actions.
Reflection Question: Who in your life needs your support this week, and how can you help carry their burden?
Prayer Focus: Pray for opportunities to serve others and for a heart that reflects Christ’s compassion.
Day 7: Stewards Awaiting the Master’s Return
Matthew 25:21 (ESV) – “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’”
The harvest points us to the ultimate day when Christ returns, and we give an account of our stewardship. As we celebrate the Fall harvest, let’s live with eternity in view, faithfully managing all God has given us.
Reflection Question: How does the hope of Christ’s return inspire you to be a faithful steward today?
Prayer Focus: Thank God for the privilege of stewardship and pray for faithfulness until Christ returns.
Kids (and Kids at Heart) Korner
Hope to see you all on Sunday!
With Hope,
Mark