"What Would Jesus Say About Direct Bill?

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The Same Page September 7, 2010 "What Would Jesus Say About Direct Bill?" Dr. Philip McVay I had a crazy thought today. What would Jesus say about direct bill? He might quote Luke 9:58..."Foxes have holes and birds of air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" or Matthew 10:10..."You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." Or Luke 2:59..."I must be about my Father's business?"Perhaps He would lift up the wisdom of the building a tower..."For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"(Luke 14:28) I am not sure which of these passages Jesus might quote but this I know Christ loves the Church and He want us to be about "making disciples and transforming the world." Our annual conference session in 2009 approved direct bill as the best way to move into the future funding our clergy health and pension benefits.Direct Bill is still a few months away but the "buzz" in conversation has been going on for months. Churches are now engaging direct bill conversations in the budget planning for 2011. I hear concern in the statements ..."how much?"..."how can we?"...and "I am not sure we can do it!" In hopes of calming anxiety about direct bill let me share some realities and perspective. First of all direct bill has some realities. The first reality is churches will pay directly for their appointed clergy health and pension benefits each month. How much will this be? The final amounts will be mailed out in December. We do know generally health insurance will be around $650 a month. The pension amount is determined by taking the pastors salary and adding another 25 percent if he/she lives in parsonage. The annual pension amount is then determined by taking 16% of that combined figure. If the pastor has a housing allowance the entire housing allowance figure is added with salary... and then 16% percent of the combined total is determined for the annual pension benefit. There is some good financial news as churches will notice a reduction in the conference missional apportionments. This reduction will help churches transition into direct bill. Every church will not have the same reductions because church budgets and pastors salaries are not all the same. If the final amounts to pay seem daunting I would encourage pastors and churches to not to be anxious about the future but rather ..."plan well and go forward trusting God." Back to the question..."What would Jesus say About Direct Bill?" I have one more passage that seems very relevant. It comes from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6. Jesus teaches..."Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life" The teaching of Jesus..."do not worry" is good for all times and especially with all the unknowns of the coming of direct bill. Can we ever remember a time when there wasn't something to worry about? Has God not been faithful in the past? Are we not at our strongest when we trust God with the future? Our conference and churches have grown through many changes in the past when the future was uncertain. I am most assured that direct bill will be no different. Jesus loves the church and I am thinking He would not want us worried about institutional requirements but rather a world that needs saving! Let us be that Church focused on ministry and not our worries! We can with God's help not only get through this time but get through even stronger! Shalom, Philip

September 7, 2010

"What Would Jesus Say About Direct Bill?" Dr. Philip McVay I had a crazy thought today. What would Jesus say about direct bill? He might quote Luke 9:58..."Foxes have holes and birds of air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" or Matthew 10:10..."You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." Or Luke 2:59..."I must be about my Father's business?"Perhaps He would lift up the wisdom of the building a tower..."For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"(Luke 14:28) I am not sure which of these passages Jesus might quote but this I know Christ loves the Church and He want us to be about "making disciples and transforming the world." Our annual conference session in 2009 approved direct bill as the best way to move into the future funding our clergy health and pension benefits.Direct Bill is still a few months away but the "buzz" in conversation has been going on for months. Churches are now engaging direct bill conversations in the budget planning for 2011. I hear concern in the statements ..."how much?"..."how can we?"...and "I am not sure we can do it!" In hopes of calming anxiety about direct bill let me share some realities and perspective. First of all direct bill has some realities. The first reality is churches will pay directly for their appointed clergy health and pension benefits each month. How much will this be? The final amounts will be mailed out in December. We do know generally health insurance will be around $650 a month. The pension amount is determined by taking the pastors salary and adding another 25 percent if he/she lives in parsonage. The annual pension amount is then determined by taking 16% of that combined figure. If the pastor has a housing allowance the entire housing allowance figure is added with salary... and then 16% percent of the combined total is determined for the annual pension benefit. There is some good financial news as churches will notice a reduction in the conference missional apportionments. This reduction will help churches transition into direct bill. Every church will not have the same reductions because church budgets and pastors salaries are not all the same. If the final amounts to pay seem daunting I would encourage pastors and churches to not to be anxious about the future but rather ..."plan well and go forward trusting God." Back to the question..."What would Jesus say About Direct Bill?" I have one more passage that seems very relevant. It comes from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6. Jesus teaches..."Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life" The teaching of Jesus..."do not worry" is good for all times and especially with all the unknowns of the coming of direct bill. Can we ever remember a time when there wasn't something to worry about? Has God not been faithful in the past? Are we not at our strongest when we trust God with the future? Our conference and churches have grown through many changes in the past when the future was uncertain. I am most assured that direct bill will be no different. Jesus loves the church and I am thinking He would not want us worried about institutional requirements but rather a world that needs saving! Let us be that Church focused on ministry and not our worries! We can with God's help not only get through this time but get through even stronger! Shalom, Philip

Day 365...(10,11,12,13; Jude; Revelation 19,20,21,22)..."Faith and Beginning and Endings"

We end the scheduled reading for one year through the Bible today. How appropriate to end with some of broader themes...faith and God is the source of beginning and endings. Hebrews has an entire chapter on faith. Chapter 11 recalls many of the stories we have read. What is the connecting theme? Faith. God is also the source of beginnings and endings. Hebrews 13:8 says..."Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Revelation says Jesus is the Alpha and Omega.

I end with Hebrews description of faith..."Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Notice how those who lived by faith did not all see faith realized but they realized through faith the day was coming in full for God's people. Perhaps this is a vantage point for our days and times. We are to live by faith and we trust the Lord of the Alpha and the Omega. Faith is the way we participate in this amazing story of God and His reaching out in love to give hope for the world!

Day 364...(2 Peter 1,2,3; Hebrews 7,8,9; Revelation 16,17,18)..."God's Patience for All to Be Saved"

As we draw to an end (one day left of reading) I was really struck that 2 Peter quoted the Psalm and added a word about patience. Is this not a key to peace submitting to God's time and waiting patiently? Here is the passage that deals with God's patience for all to be saved...

"With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

I also am drawn to the teaching of the sequence of how we get to the goal of love and becoming more like God. Notice the progression beginning with faith and goodness...

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love."

Day 363...(1 Peter 4,5; Hebrews 4,5,6; Revelation 13,14,15)..."Love Covers a Multitude of Sins"

Love is key virtue of the Christian life. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13 that love is the greatest of all. Jesus quotes Deuteronomy and expands the love of God and neighbor as the greatest commandment. 1 John speaks clearly that "God is love." In 1 Peter we read that love covers a multitude of sins. The Scriptures reinforce all throughout the Bible that love is the greatest. Here is what is written in 1 Peter about love...

"Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."

Day 362...(1 Peter 1,2,3; Hebrews 1,2,3; Revelation 10,11,12)..."Baptism Connected to Noah?"

Is baptism connected with Noah? We believe baptism is a outward sign of an inward and spiritual grace. Baptism is an initiation into the Kingdom of God. Baptism is a sign of salvation. In 1 Peter 3 we learn of a connection with baptism and Noah. Baptism is also a pledge of a good conscience according to words of Peter. I had not noticed this teaching before...

"For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him."

Day 361...(Titus 1,2,3; James 4,5; 3 John; Revelation 7,8,9)..."A Plan for Divisive People"

Churches do ministry best when working together in unity. In the real world, there are divisive people who "rock the boat" and threaten any chance for unity. What options are there for a church, when a divisive person is present? The Book of Titus lays out a plan for how to handle such as person. Give one warning and then a second. If the dissension continues, you move on. What a wonderful plan. Here is the passage...

"But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned."

Day 360...(2 Timothy 3,4; 2 John; James 1,2,3; Revelations 4,5,6)..."Two Kinds of Wisdom"

Wisdom is a fascinating subject. Is someone wise because they have a high IQ or great ability to process information? Or a great memory? Or street smart? All of these contribute but the scripture teaches the highest wisdom comes from God. James has a special insight into humility and wisdom today. I had not considered this kind of wisdom until I paused after reading...

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."

Wow! What a concept. Wisdom comes from a life of humility with ego under control. The Book of James speaks so powerfully about what may be considered ordinary producing a harvest of the extraordinary.

Day 359...(2 Timothy 1,2; 1 John 5; Revelation 1,2,3)..."Seven Churches"

Revelation is a confusing Book. Yet...the teachings about seven churches make clear sense. Churches are strong and weak for reasons. We can learn from the seven in Revelation.

Ephesus - forgot first love Jesus
Smyrna - commended for faith in difficult times
Pergamum - reprimanded for bad teaching
Thyatira - reprimanded for too much tolerance
Sardis - Dead (needs to be alive)
Philadelphia - A great opportunity
Laodicea - Lukewarm (needs passion)

Can we not learn from these churches? What would our church be commended for or why would it be reprimanded?

Day 358...(Malachi 4; 1 John 3,4; 1 Timothy 4,5,6)..."Malachi Ends and So Does the Old Testament"

Well here we are 358 days later and we finish the Old Testament. In about a week, we will finish the Bible. Malachi ends with a word about obeying Moses and looking out for Elijah. Remember, Elijah never died. Is this a way to heighten awareness of the truth "God is a God of the living and not the dead?" (much like the resurrection morning) Neither do the words of the Old Testament ever die...they will endure forever.

Something else that will endure forever is love. God's love and our aim to love for each other. Are there more important words about the centrality of love than John? Here are the words...

"God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

What a wonderful message that love removes fear!

Day 357...(Malachi 3; 1 John 1,2; 1 Timothy 1,2,3)..."Convincing Passages"

The Lord says "test Him" in tithing. Is there a more convincing word about giving God the first ten percent of all we have? The tithing passage speaks for itself. In addition, 1 John speaks with confidence about the forgiveness of sins. 1 Timothy is convincing with three qualities needed in love. Here are the passages...

"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

"The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith"

Day 356...(Malachi 2; 2 Thessalonians 1,2,3; Jude)..."UnGodly People"

Malachi and Jude both address unGodly people. In Malachi the people are described as not having a heart for God. In Jude, they are described as fruitless faultfinders. Here are the passages...

Malachi...

"And now this admonition is for you, O priests. If you do not listen, and if you do not set your heart to honor my name," says the LORD Almighty, "I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not set your heart to honor me."

Jude....

"These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: "See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him." These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage."

Day 355...(Malachi 1; 1 Thessalonians 3,4; Philemon)..."Paul Reveals How to Win Friends and Influence People"

Paul reveals how to win friends and influence people. Before you think this is too cheesy read the verse! Is this not the key to winning the respect of people and living a most productive life?

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."

Day 354...(Zechariah 13,14; 1 Thessalonians 1,2)..."Paul's Night Job"

Paul was a tent maker. Did he make tents at night? He earned an income somehow. In 1 Thessalonians we read were Paul eludes to this second job. His reason for doing so was not to be a burden to those in which he would reach and preach. Paul like so many great people of the faith kept long hours. Here is the reference...

"As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you."

Day 353...(Zechariah 11,12; Colossians 3,4)..."A Seasoned with Salt Message?"

Paul has already said about himself "he had become all things to all people to save for Christ" (1 Corinthians 9:22). In today's reading, he writes about the use of words. He invites to season with salt. How important are our words. We are known through our conversations. In the case of an outsider, we need to say just the right word. Here is what Paul says...

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Day 352...(Zechariah 9,10; Colossians 1,2)..."Christ is Supreme"

Paul in Colossians writes that everything is under Christ the Head of the Church. I am always amazed at how quickly a church will grow, when Christ is the center and whither when secondary purposes become primary. As a District Superintendent, this is more obvious when in and out of different churches all the time. The growing churches are Christ centered. The churches that are withering have lost focus. Church growth is not rocket science. Paul says it like this...

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."

Day 351...(Zechariah 7,8; Philippians 3,4)..."Missing From the Quote?"

One of the most quoted passages in the Bible is Philippians 4:13. I have even seen this underneath football players eyes to deflect the sun. Have we ever noticed the wonderful passage prior to 4:13? This is also very quotable and makes 4:13 even more meaningful. Here is the passage...

"I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Is contentment trusting God the key to living in God's strength?

Day 350...(Zechariah 5,6; Philippians 1,2)..."Humility"

One of my favorite passages is Philippians 2 when Paul so eloquently states that the "Name above every name." He goes on to teach of Jesus' humility. How beautiful are these words! Jesus' Name is above all.

In the passages preceding this exaltation are words of how to build unity through humility. What if we could live this way? We would be able to change the world. Paul teaches...

"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Day 349...(Zechariah 3,4; Ephesians 5,6)..."Armor of God"

What is the armor of God? There are seven dimensions...

Faith (which is a shield)

Truth (a belt)

Peace (our feet)

Righteousness (breastplate)

Salvation (helmet)

Word of God (sword)

Unceasing Prayer


"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."

Day 348...(Ezekiel 47,48; Zechariah 1,2; Ephesians 4)..."Anger Management"

Ephesians four is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. Christ is the Head of the Church. We relate to Him. All things are lifted up to Him. What a powerful message.

In addition to the profound and true teachings of the Church is also anger management. How do we handle our anger. Paul says...

"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need."

How do we live without anger? Here are more tips...

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."