Fuel For God's Kingdom
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Fuel seem’s to be the necessary evil in the age of the automobile. Its a planned, somewhat cumbersome stop, and depending on the day it might feel like down right disrupting! In that you got places you want to go, but you cant get there without fuel, and if not planned well, it might make you late, even for church.
And as the season changes it get’s worse, you might have this debate sitting in the gas lane… “Sooo, you got this one, or do you want me to go fill up?” The struggle is real.
For a lot of people, filling up the gas tank is avoided like the plague, and only done when absolutely necessary, or when that nasty indicator light comes up.
But Filling up gas can change with a fresh perspective. It can be that end unto itself (you live to dread the filling of a bottomless tank) OR it could become the joy of giving the resource to get you to where you are heading.
That joy increases as the destination becomes greater than the money spent to get you there.
I’m going to tell an embarrasing analogy about myself that happened this summer, regarding filling up....
Angela and I were embarking on our biggest event of the summer, we had planned a trip with family to Calgary, we had booked 5 nights with air bnb with out trips to banff, calaway park, the zoo… We were extatic!! And there are several necessary gas stops on the way, there however is one stop that is not required, but absolutely neccessary. And thats Crooked Creek.
I was driving and I jumped out of the car to fill up, but I gotta be honest i could barely get the nozzle in the tank before I was in the store salivating over those donuts. And once I secured the donuts, and payed for gas. I was back out, and Ange had hopped in the drivers seat, which i was all for, because then I could concentrate on enjoying these donuts over the drive. And we started to drive away when we heard a loud, POP!! And I had forgotten to hang up the nozzle and had driven away with it firmly secured in our gas port, and a hoze dragging behind our pathfinder!!!
I went back and presented the hoze to the store clerk, she looked at me and said, “Dont worry this happens all the time.”
I left all my information just in case of repair costs,
Luckily there was a quick detach function for numb skulls like myself who forget to hang up after they are done.
But I had a joy set before me, lets be honest, with donuts in hand and the trip awaiting me, filling up gas was not a cumbersome thought, I was excited.
Fuel get’s you places. And in God’s kingdom, and in His work, . And the habit of giving is a means to mobilize ministry, generosity is fuel. And we are going to see that from scripture this morning.
The Habit of giving regulary
The Habit of giving regulary
The Habit of giving regularly started in the old testament.
It started as a practice of worship that Isreals forefathers did, and then became instituted at Mt Sinai.
Levitcus 27: 30 says “Thus, all the tithe of the land, of all the seeds of the land of the fruit of the tree’s, is the Lords: it is holy to the Lord.
And vs. 34 says “These are the commandments which the Lord commanded Moses for the sons of Isreal at Mt Sinai”
But along with this commandment came a blessing for giving tithe
,
In talking about giving says this:
We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.
I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.
2 Cor. 8:
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. 12 Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.”
And some of you might be wondering at this word Tithe, and thats ok. We say it a lot but we don’t always explain it.
Lexham Bible Dictionary says this
Tithe is One-tenth of a person’s goods, whether agricultural or monetary, dedicated to God. The practice of tithing has changed since the Old Testament period, but the concept of setting aside one-tenth of one’s income or goods for religious use has remained the same.
Paul is talking to the Corinthians here about this amazing group of Jesus followers, the Macedonians.
Paul mentions in the New Testament in
for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
There is an interesting shift as we move from the Old Testamnet to the New, Tithe was commanded in the Old Testament, but it is more or less assumed in the New.
So there is this common sentiment of giving both in the old testament to the new, the connection between them is
These people stood out for the way they lived out generosity. It’s intersting to me because the word “grace” in this passage is used to describe the generosity of the Macedonians. I dont know how you look at your bank account, but when I see the balance, my first thought isnt… “Ok, I got $500.22 of grace left in my account, ok great.” But there was something that this people understood something about money that we need to understand.
There is an interesting shift as we move from the Old Testamnet to the New, Tithe was commanded in the Old Testament, but it is more or less assumed in the New.
-explanation of current circumstances in Galatians
The Old Testament writers penned a command with a blessing, The new Testament has a generosity that is partially fueled by the blessing of obedience, but also inspired by the generosity of the grace found in Jesus.
The New American Commentary: 2 Corinthians (1) Example: God’s Grace Given to the Macedonians (8:1–5)
The Macedonians experienced an up welling of generosity during a severe test of affliction. The New Testament evidence suggests that they were no strangers to persecution (see Acts 16:20; 17:20; Phil 1:29–30; 1 Thess 1:6; 2:14; 3:3–4). The word translated “test” (dokimē) has a different nuance than the word for testing (peirasmos) that is related to temptation. It “points more to the positive outcome of such a test than to the test itself.”13 The test proved their Christian character.
The Macedonians also suffered from extreme poverty that Paul vividly expresses as “down to depths of poverty.” Persecution and social ostracism probably caused this rock bottom poverty. Their poverty matches that of the saints in Jerusalem that was also caused by persecution and may have generated their empathy with them
The Macedonians stand out for their understanding of generosity. It’s intersting to me because the word “grace” in this passage is used to describe the generosity of the Macedonians. I dont know how you look at your bank account, but when I see the balance, my first thought isnt… “Ok, I got $500.22 of grace left in my account, ok great.” But there was something that this peopl understood that we need to understand.
These people as Paul described were in a severe test of affliction. They were currently being persecuted for going against the grain of their current culture.
They were living Jesus, and the the city around them did not find it compatible. And it was such that following Jesus got them ostracized. It was not popluar.
And maybe they weren’t able to find work because of their association with Christ, or business oppertunities were being cut off. And they were afflicted for the name of Christ.
But it was in this place that the grace of God was coming on full display.
2 Cor. 8:2-3
“for in a sever test of affliction, their abundance of joy, and their extreme poverty have over-flowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—
The offering plate was not a whole in their wallet to the Macedonians it was the gate for God’s grace to come on display.”
Because it was not their own relief that they cared about most, but rather the relief of the needs around them.
Rather than seeking favor with the culture around them,
They sought the favor of giving to the relief of the saints. They understood that beyond this temporal body, and the needs we have. Their was an investment that added grace to someone else’s life.
“ I wa
The whole krux of giving in the scripture is this. “Their is an obedience in giving that leads to blessing.”
They sought… after favour.
The old testament is in lock step with this.
In talking about giving says this
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. 12 Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.”
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. 12 Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.
-I think it is good for us to be challenged in our giving. Becasue Tithe and offering arent always understood in the best terms.
-I think it is good for us to be challenged in our giving. Becasue Tithe and offering arent always understood in the best terms.
People have all kinds of questions… Is Gross or net? What if Im in debt? Should we give 10% of everything, including Christmas and birthday gifts and tax refunds? If I cant give with joy, should you just not give at all? Unfortunately, a simple answer won’t suffice.
People also have all kinds of misconceptions too, like I dont need to give because God doesnt need my money, or the church has a big bank account, or maybe the church is supported by the government, or get’s subsidized. None of those things are true by the way, but if we need an excuse we will find one.
But here is some encouragement,
Some Macedonians gave within their means and others gave above theirs means, meaning that some of you are not giving as much as others and thats ok.
See for them it was less about the amount given, and more about the grace we live in.
See for them it was less about the giving, and more about the grace.
But there is a shift that happened when talking about tithing, offering and generosity.
But there is a shift that happened when talking about tithing, offering and generosity.
The Old testament talked about a Command to tithe, with a blessing of obedience. But the New Testament talks about Giving not as a command, but as the evidence of a heart motivated by Love.
2 Corinthians 8:8
I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
What’s fueling your fuel? Have we been filling up because thats what we’ve always done? I’ll tell you one thing that will snuff out your joy in Jesus, and thats the religion of duty. Give, give give give, serve serve serve serve, do do do do FOR WHAT???
The Gospel is built on the most lavish display of giving in the universe.
-To light a fire in your heart to giving is understanding the future potential of generosity. When Jesus went to the cross, he saw something far out... that there would be a day when you would be set free from sin, no more guilt, no more shame, and then spend eternity with the one who took our sin away. And He said, "that's worth it. That's worth the pain, that's worth my life.."
-Do you see your cut of a cheque that way? It IS fueling Gods kingdom.
-I love mission thrift store. I go there and I buy what I don't need. I told my wife we should bring all our clothes to mission and see what we can buy back to put in our drawers.
-their slogan is "Save more than just your money."
(Macedonians gave within and above theirs means, meaning that some of you are not giving as much as others and thats ok.)
-Last year their mission saved numerous souls and I love what they are doing.
-Yes, your money helps people to come to know Jesus.
-Here at WCC, this is where my kids are going to learn a lot about Jesus, and it doesn't happen without fuel.
-when I give, Ans this has never changed. I see two hands cupped and when I drop in the bag I see it going into the hands of God. And I want you to give that way as well.
-baptisms, 60people at youth camp out, kids getting saved, church in the parking lot. Westpointe is going OUT!!! and I hope that we aren't going out with an empty tank, people!! Because we got work to do.
Forget the tithe. Are you giving generously, are you giving regularly and cheerfully. If not, why not?
Some Macedonians gave within their means and others gave above theirs means, meaning that some of you are not giving as much as others and thats ok.
The word tithe means “tenth”
Forget the tithe. Are you giving generously, are you giving regularly and cheerfully. If not, why not?
Dad- You’ll never out give God
-Explanation of tithe
-Tithe commanded in Old Testament, assumed in the new
-Explanation of tithe
-Tithe commanded in Old Testament, assumed in the new
-Old-Command with a blessing, New Flowing from the Blessing of the Gospel.
-God made himself poor on our behalf
Im going to tell a very embarrasing analogy that happened this summer, regarding filling up....
And this is part of the motivation behind the fuel for God’s Kingdom. And we need that motivation and inspiration because when we lose sight of the WHY of giving we go back to the how and it sounds a lot like this
-Old-Command with a blessing, New Flowing from the Blessing of the Gospel.
Do we give Gross or net? What if Im in debt? Should we give 10% of everything, including Christmas and birthday gifts and tax refunds? If I cant give with joy, should you just not give at all?
But there is a shift that happened when talking about tithing, offering and generosity.
The Old testament talked about a Command to tithe, with a blessing of obedience. But the New Testament talks about Giving not as a command, but as the evidence of a heart motivated by Love.
The old testament is in lock step with this.
I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
Angela and I were embarking on our biggest event of the summer, we had planned a trip with family to Calgary, we had booked 5 nights with air bnb with out trips to banff, calaway park, the zoo… We were extatic!! And there are several necessary gas stops on the way, there however is one stop that is not required, but absolutely neccessary. And thats Crooked Creek.
-And God is less concerned on the exactness of a tithe than He is about your heart behind why you give at all.
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. 12 Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.”
I was driving and I jumped out of the car to fill up, but I gotta be honest i could barely get the nozzle in the tank before I was in the store salivating over those donuts. And once I secured the donuts, and payed for gas. I was back out, and Ange had hopped in the drivers seat, which i was all for, because then I could concentrate on enjoying these donuts over the drive. And we started to drive away when we heard a loud, POP!! And we had driven away with nozzle firmly secured in our gas port, and a hoze dragging behind our pathfinder!!!
I went back and presented the hoze to the store clerk, she looked at me and said, “Dont worry this happens all the time.”
-I think it is good for us to be challenged in our giving, I say our, because I give alongside the rest of you. So I’am speaking to my own heart first.
I left all my information just in case of repair costs,
Luckily there was a quick detach function for numb skulls like myself who forget to hang up after they are done.
But I had a joy set before me, lets be honest, with donuts in hand and the trip awaiting me, filling up gas was a pure joy and in this scenario, a neglegent discipline.
Cheerful giving- is not a "only give when you're happy verse"
People have all kinds of questions…
People also have all kinds of misconceptions too, like I dont need to give because God doesnt need my money, or the church has a big bank account, or maybe the church is supported by the government, or get’s subsidized. None of those things are true by the way, but if we need an excuse we will find one.
In 2 Corintians 8:1-12 we are going to see a people that didnt see money as something to be considered. They had a joy and purpose in giving that went beyond the habit.
Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.
I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.
If all of Christianity was based on our best day it would be a sorry walk. But how do you get a fresh perspective when you’ve been stuck in a rut?
English Standard Version Chapter 12
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Do Not Grow Weary
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
You can restore your joy in giving like David prayed to restore the joy of your salvation.
Example of the Macedonians. Money as a means of Grace.
Example of the Macedonians. Money as a means of Grace.
-The two are inseparably woven because the reason why God loves a cheerful giver is because He is one.
Paul is talking to the Corinthians here about this amazing group of Jesus followers, the Macedonians.
These people stood out for the way they lived out generosity. It’s interesting to me because the word “grace” in this passage is used to describe the generosity of the Macedonians, “The grace of God given amung the churches… But what was given?? Money!! I don’t know how you look at your bank account, but when I see the balance, my first thought isnt… “Ok, I got $500.22 of grace left in my account, ok great.” But there was something that this people understood about money that we need to understand.
-Part of cheerful giving is understanding the future potential of generosity. When Jesus went to the cross, he saw something far out... that there would be a day when we would be gathered around a table in infinite joy enjoying the presence of our saviour. And He said, "that's worth it. That's worth the pain, thats worth my earnings, that's worth my life.."
These people as Paul described were in a severe test of affliction. They were currently being persecuted for going against the grain of their current culture.
-Do you see your cut of a cheque that way? It IS fueling Gods kingdom.
They were living Jesus, and the the city around them did not find it compatible. And it was such that following Jesus got them ostracized. It was not popluar.
-I love mission thrift store. I go there and I buy what I don't need. I told my wife we should bring all our clothes to mission and see what we can buy back to put in our drawers.
And maybe they weren’t able to find work because of their association with Christ, or business oppertunities were being cut off. And they were afflicted for the name of Christ.
-their slogan is "Save more than just your money."
But it was in this place that the grace of God was coming on full display.
-Last year their mission saved numerous souls and I love what they are doing.
-Yes, your money helps people to come to know Jesus.
“for in a sever test of affliction, their abundance of joy, and their extreme poverty have over-flowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—
-Here at WCC, this is where my kids are going to learn a lot about Jesus, and it doesn't happen without fuel.
The offering plate was not a whole in their wallet to the Macedonians it was the gate for God’s grace to come on display.”
-when I give, Ans this has never changed. I see two hands cupped and when I drop in the bag I see it going into the hands of God. And I want you to give that way as well.
Because it was not their own relief that they cared about most, but rather the relief of the needs around them, and that is grace.
-baptisms, 60people at youth camp out, kids getting saved, church in the parking lot. Westpointe is going OUT!!! and I hope that we aren't going out with an empty tank, people!! Because we got work to do.
Grace by definition is unmerited favor. It helps me to think of my resources that way. They werent mine to begin with, just a means of furthering God’s kingdom, and the need around me.
Rather than seeking relief from the culture around them, they sought the favor of giving to the relief of the saints. They understood that beyond this temporal body, and the needs we have. Their was an investment that added grace to someone else’s life.
They sought the favor of giving to the relief of the saints. They understood that beyond this temporal body, and the needs we have. Their was an investment that added grace to someone else’s life.
Generosity is not under Compulsion
Generosity is not under Compulsion
But here is some encouragement,
In talking about giving says this
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. 12 Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.”
-I think it is good for us to be challenged in our giving. Becasue Tithe and offering arent always understood in the best terms.
Another thing that these people displayed was their Generosity was without compulsion
and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
People have all kinds of questions… Is Gross or net? What if Im in debt? Should we give 10% of everything, including Christmas and birthday gifts and tax refunds? If I cant give with joy, should you just not give at all? Unfortunately, a simple answer won’t suffice.
When they gave it was not an expectation, it was not under compulsion. Their giving was not seen as giving to people, because they had first given themselves to the Lord. And when they submitted their will to the will of God, it changed the way the gave. They gave unexpectedly, and they gave because God told them to.
People also have all kinds of misconceptions too, like I dont need to give because God doesnt need my money, or the church has a big bank account, or maybe the church is supported by the government, or get’s subsidized. None of those things are true by the way, but if we need an excuse we will find one.
They were over it!!
-See for them it was less about the amount given, and more about the grace they lived in.
But here is some encouragement,
Some Macedonians gave within their means and others gave above theirs means, meaning that some of you are not giving as much as others and thats ok.
This message for the maintenance of your Faith
This message for the maintenance of your Faith
The Macedonians weren't the people that needed a reminder. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, about these others to Inspire them. We need that, we need the encouragement that the race isnt over, the car hasn’t passed the finish line... And its the same Spirit behind this whole series, Our Spiritual Tune Up series...
Paul said “ 2 Corinthians 8:7 Look!!! Just as you abound in everything in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that abound in this gracious work also.”
Almost to say, DONT STOP NOW, “Youre Faith is growing, you speak different than you used to, you know more about Jesus now more than ever, and now its time to give.
But there is a shift that happened when talking about tithing, offering and generosity.
See for them it was less about the amount given, and more about the grace we live in.
But there is a shift that happened when talking about tithing, offering and generosity.
The Old testament talked about a Command to tithe, with a blessing of obedience. But the New Testament talks about Giving not as a command, but as the evidence of a heart motivated by Love.
I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
So What’s fueling your fuel? Have we been filling up because thats what we’ve always done? I’ll tell you one thing that will snuff out your joy in Jesus, and thats the religion of duty. Give, give give give, serve serve serve serve, do do do do FOR WHAT???
The Gospel is built on the most lavish display of giving in the universe.
-To light a fire in our hearts toward giving it might help to understand the future potential of generosity. Because Jesus saw something beyond sacrifice that was worth everything to Him
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Do Not Grow Weary
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
When Jesus went to the cross, he saw something far out… He purposed to endure for the future joy of a million sons and daughters, saved from their sins and spending an eternity in the joy of being together FOREVER. I rpesent to you that Jesus is the happiest giver in the universe.
-Do we see our giving that way? The means we give... Give way lives being changed forever?
-I love mission thrift store. I go there and I buy what I don't need. I told my wife we should bring all our clothes to mission and see what we can buy back to put in our drawers.
-their slogan is "Save more than just your money."
-Last year their mission saved numerous souls and I love what they are doing.
-Yes, your money helps people to come to know Jesus.
-Here at WCC, this is where my kids are going to grow up and love Jesus, and it doesn't happen without fuel. There is a future here.
Baptisms have happened this summer, children came to know Jesus for the first time this summer through the ministry of Westpointe, and it goes on. We are going out!! In a couple weeks we are going out to the parking lot because we believe in a church where people who have never been loved in Jesus find him HERE!! And I pray that God continues to inspire His church, because we have work to do.
So if you need to forget about giving as an amount… Are you able to give like the Macedonians? Is your money a means of grace? Do you see the joy set before you? Jesus loves a cheerful giver because He is one!! And he doesnt want to build His church on grumpy money.
Forget the tithe. Are you giving generously, are you giving regularly and cheerfully. If not, why not?
I pray that we can move beyond the worry, and move into trust when it comes to our finances.
My Dad always said, “ You’ll never out give God” And He lived it in the most evident way. When my parents were newly weds with a couple kids things were tight financially. And I Remember he said that He gave to the church like he did every month, except after paying bills, he went for the next transaction and it bounced. And they finished the rest of teh groceries that was left in the fridge. And my Dad was on the way out the door to sell te car when a man approached Him at the door. And He had two bags of groceries brimming and topped witha pound of butter on the top.
The man looked confused but He said, “I dont know who you are, but driving by God told me that I need to give this to you, I hope youre not offended but here you go.”
-Old-Command with a blessing, New Flowing from the Blessing of the Gospel.
Cheerful giving- is not a "only give when you're happy verse"
If all of Christianity was based on our best day it would be a sorry walk. But how do you get a fresh perspective when you’ve been stuck in a rut?
English Standard Version Chapter 12
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Do Not Grow Weary
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
You can restore your joy in giving like David prayed to restore the joy of your salvation.
-Old-Command with a blessing, New Flowing from the Blessing of the Gospel.
-The two are inseparably woven because the reason why God loves a cheerful giver is because He is one.
The whole krux of giving in the scripture is this. “Their is an obedience in giving that leads to blessing.”
The whole krux of giving in the scripture is this. “Their is an obedience in giving that leads to blessing.”
The old testament is in lock step with this.
In talking about giving says this
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. 12 Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.”
-I think it is good for us to be challenged in our giving. Becasue Tithe and offering arent always understood in the best terms.
People have all kinds of questions… Is Gross or net? What if Im in debt? Should we give 10% of everything, including Christmas and birthday gifts and tax refunds? If I cant give with joy, should you just not give at all? Unfortunately, a simple answer won’t suffice.
People also have all kinds of misconceptions too, like I dont need to give because God doesnt need my money, or the church has a big bank account, or maybe the church is supported by the government, or get’s subsidized. None of those things are true by the way, but if we need an excuse we will find one.