The Sunday meeting of the church “Philadelphia” on August 23 was special because the youth group led the worship service. Maybe some people found it a little difficult to listen to unfamiliar loud songs, but the majority of the present at the meeting in spite of the rain enjoyed praising God.

The deacon of the church Yuri Baburin talked on a theme that always will be relevant — evangelism. Taking as an example the story from Acts 8 about apostle Philip who, being led by the Holy Spirit, met an Ethiopian. He saw that the latter was eager to know God and helped him, telling the good news about salvation that is given through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This story helps us to learn several lessons. First of all it is not enough to read the Scriptures — one should study it. Secondly we need somebody to teach us and help us in this.  The Ethiopian’s question “Why shouldn't I be baptized?” sounds for us like “Why shouldn’t we live a Christian life?” Meaningless actions, wish to do according to human will, not God’s one… We lack humility, kindness that were revealed by Christ in His character. Maybe hearing this once again will help us to remember that only God’s will is perfect.

Senior pastor Pavel Zhelnovakov touched upon a delicate topic — the wealth or to be more exact — why we don’t always see the abundance that was promised by God. In Deuteronomy the Lord promised Israel not just sufficiency but the real abundance. What does prevent us have these blessings? It may be dishonesty with money before God. In Malachi 3 God blame His people for their stinginess.

Then many people go against the rule of sowing and harvest. Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly.

Moreover we might have unreasonable attitude to money. While Moses was on the mountain with God the Israelites made a golden calf and started worshipping it. As a result all this gold tuned to dust.

People sometimes lose their money because of loans and guarantees and because of living beyond their means. They create illusions for themselves without any foundation. Another reason for lack of financial blessings from God is our own dishonesty in money issues. The two last reasons are a failure to state an expense account and a refuse to care for church and give sacrificing for God.

These are the rules of dealing with money that the Bible talks about.