Sermon Tone Analysis

Main Idea: Why give money?

Opening Line: Can Money buy happiness?

Study found from University of Minnesota

Can Money buy happiness?

A 2017 study found that almost 50% of Americans worry about their financial situation, and it impacts their mental health, relationships, diet, even their work performance.

There is no denying that having enough money to cover expenses and put some aside is important for our wellbeing.

While having enough money to meet basic needs and provide a safety net is essential to wellbeing, there are indications that additional income may not significantly increase our wellbeing and may even have a negative effect in some cases.

The data to support this is interesting.

For example,

Per capita income in the U.S. rose 150% from 1946 to 1990 (which is a huge difference in purchasing power), but the percent of people considering themselves very happy fell.In addition, depression rates in the U.S. rose 10 times in that 50-year period.In Japan between 1958 and 1991, the per capita income rose six-fold, but subjective wellbeing stayed the same.People who won large amounts of money in lotteries in the U.S. or football pools in England were not significantly happier a year later and were more dissatisfied with daily events.

And there is research that suggests additional ways money can have a negative impact on our wellbeing.

Money is an important part of life; but God doesn’t need your money

Three Reasons to give?

1. Giving for In-reach

Giving provides the prescription for Greed

Giving provides for community to Gather

2. Giving for Outreach

Giving provides opportunity to help the Poor

Mark 14:1–9 (NIV)

1 Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him.

2 “But not during the festival,” they said, “or the people may riot.”

3 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard.

She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? 5 It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.”

And they rebuked her harshly.

6 “Leave her alone,” said Jesus.

“Why are you bothering her?

She has done a beautiful thing to me.

7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want.

But you will not always have me.

8 She did what she could.

She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.

9 Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

Giving provides a way to Evangelize

3. Kingdom-reach

Giving provides a way to carry others burdens from a Distance

How do we start or grow in giving?

Start with understanding nothing is yours.

Evaluate what you are giving in these 4 areas and commit to doing something more in each.

Time -

Most valuable resource you have.

How are you spending your time?

Does it bring Glory to God?

Talent -

What has God uniquely given you to benefit the world?

Are you spending your special blessings on yourself or for God?

How can you grow more in that?

These 2 we will look at more in 2 weeks.

test for service - paper and online

Treasure -

Treasure is money and things.

What do you value or not value in this world?

Money and possessions can be treasured in our hearts and God wants you to find ways to give toward in-reach, out-reach and kingdom-reach

Think about why you give?

Think about what you have you could give?

Think about where you can give?

All three areas are affected by this church, but all three areas can be affected by other ministries or by you personally giving money or lending you tractor or car to someone in need.

Where are needs and how can you better serve God with what you have?

Start today to trust that giving constantly or a little more will be a powerful statement of your desire to serve God in His Mission.

Next month we will be focusing on Missions and you will have more opportunities to give and learn how money isn’t the only way to give into the mission of Christ locally and around the world.

We will hear from Kristin, and 2/13 DJ and Lindsay DeMarco will be back sharing about what God has led them into and how we can be a part, We will also hear from Rob Henry about what supporting missions with new eyes and understanding of your treasure.

Tent -

The most special recourse you have.

Your physical body and life.

You only have 1 body.

This verse isn’t just talking about avoiding sin, but also care for God’s house (you)

God can only do miracles and amazing things through you if you are healthy enough to go where He has called you to go or say what He has told you to say.

We need to take care physically and mentally so we are alive and able to be a living sacrifice and provide for Christ’s work.

These 4 areas give you the ability to fill this house with provision.

Evaluate the 4 areas and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in growth in all 4 areas.

Closing Line: Don’t debate whether you should give, or have to give, but recognize the Why and decide to be like the poor widow who gave your all not so the lights stay on, but so we become a powerful force for in-reach, out-reach, and kingdom-reach in this area and around the world.

Be a part of something greater than yourself!