In the Pentateuch, we find a unique theological principle called Separation, Placement and Rest (SPR). This cycle is presented in the context of God's Creation//Exodus dynamic activity. SPR is the major operating theology of the Old and New Testaments. SPR may also serve as an important strategy to enhance stewardship training in local churches. Churches have not yet developed proper theological s
trategies for encouraging faithful stewardship. Stewardship is, nevertheless, an integral part of Christian discipleship and originated from the very beginning of God's creation. In this postmodern age, churches face many challenges in pursuing God's will. Churches need to utilize innovative strategies now more than ever to raise strong disciples who can faithfully fulfill God's ongoing salvation creation-redemption work in Jesus Christ. As clearly stated in the parables of Jesus and world mission narratives in Luke-Acts, stewardship comprises a major aspect of discipleship; most Christians, however, are not fully informed of its impact in Christian life. Due to the absence of proper study, few pastors and church leaders are comfortable with teaching stewardship in their congregations. The reasons behind this problem are that churches do not have essential resources and strategies for providing stewardship education in pursuit of their goal of converting followers of Jesus into disciples. Also they may misunderstand or resist the idea of tithing, which is also an integral part of spiritual discipline. SPR deals directly and interactively with God's ongoing Creation//Exodus dynamics in our lives. The principles of SPR guide us by means of God's agenda rather than our own. Thus we find ourselves in an ongoing dialogue and deeper relationship with God. SPR transforms ordinary questions into SPR questions, such as, "Am I holy?"; "Where is my place in the Scriptures?"; "Do I have a rest in God?"; and/or "What shall I do?" All these questions are subjective actions that can be applied to the "Separation-Placement-Rest" equation formula in the dynamics of God's "Creation and Exodus": SPRx=C//E. The SPR Bible study of Luke-Acts is a unique paradigm for stewardship, and will benefit church missions and revivals. SPR stewardship goes back to God's original purpose for the creation of man. By studying it, people can become extraordinary, transformational stewards who serve God by pursuing His missions. The challenges in our lives will be resolved and transformed into opportunities if we are able to apply SPR in our lives. Because SPR requires a constant dialogue with God, whoever applies SPR in his or her life will eventually become a faithful steward of Jesus Christ. The SPR reading of Luke-Acts in light of stewardship of churches will encourage and challenge Christian leaders to have useful strategies in their process of planting and managing the house of God, especially in our times of financial and spiritual uncertainty.
