Do Good to Please God

In-Person Services Canceled March 15 - March 25, 2020

A live stream will be offered each Sunday at 10am.

Out of an abundance of caution, and due to the difficulty of maintaining health guidelines from government agencies (6 feet of separation), our church leadership has decided to cancel regular Sunday morning services and Wednesday evening activities through March 25, 2020. At that time, we will re-evaluate public health recommendations and determine when it is appropriate to resume regular activities.

Please note, the leaders of SVCC recognize that this is a time when we should not be casual, but instead be even more proactive about interceding in prayer and deed for our world and for one another. The devil never misses an opportunity to stoke fear, loneliness, depression, and division. We are deeply troubled by the prejudicial lines of racism and poverty this disease has so quickly exposed in our society. Even though our church may not be meeting in a large group setting, we will be praying harder than ever, encouraging one another more than ever, and standing up for all of those in need - of any faith, color or social standing - more than ever.

If you are struggling with fear, loneliness, or depression at this time, our Pastor has made himself available just to talk and pray with anyone. Pastor Steve's personal cell phone is 619-277-2671. Feel free to call him anonymously.

Most of all, we pray that you will know that God is greater than any adversity the world brings our way.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1.9)

By Pastor Steve Babbitt

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Giving, Tithes 0 Comments

We score ourselves based on what we do; God scores on why we do it. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
(1 Samuel 16.7)

Three Reasons People Give

Applause of men (Matthew 6:2)

Applause of self (Matthew 6:3)

Applause of heaven (Matthew 6:4)

How to Gain the Applause of Heaven

Give secretly (Matthew 6:3)
Give cheerfully
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
(2 Corinthians 9:7)

Give with no expectation of repayment
“And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full.”
(Luke 6:34)

Hang on a second ...!

What about
“...Let your light shine before men...” (Matthew 5:16)?
Jesus is addressing those who are afraid to step out in that passage. Further, Jesus makes it crystal clear that the purpose of such deeds is to glorify the Father, not the giver.

And what about the public giving we see in the Old Testament and Acts of the Apostles?
David and Barnabas are leading by example in those stories

The heart is the measure; the heart is paramount.

How is Your Eternal Portfolio?

Salvation is by grace through the blood of Christ alone, but that just gets you on the playing field.
(See: 1 Corinthians 3, Ephesians 6:8, & Revelations 22)

Let us aim for the highest reward — our Heavenly Father’s approval.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”
(Proverbs 4:23)

Matthew 6:1-4

New King James Version (NKJV)
Do Good to Please God

1 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.”

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Pastor Steve Babbitt

Steve Babbitt is the lead pastor of Spring Valley Community Church.

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March 22, 2020 LiveStream Begins Here at 10am Pacific

Text Your "Yay God" Testimony to 619-277-2671

In-Person Services Canceled March 15 - March 25, 2020

A live stream will be offered each Sunday at 10am.