Enough Series Sunday October 18, 2009
Sermon Series Enough 2 Sunday October 25, 2009
Sermon Series Enough 3 Sunday November 1, 2009
Sermon Sunday November 8, 2009
Sermon #4: Generosity
Matthew 25: 31-40
Genesis 28: 10-22
2 Corinthians 9
You are a generous people. Today we collect the Operation Christmas Child boxes. They will be sent to children in need around the world.
Last week our communion offering was for our local outreach. We collected over $700, nearly 3 times the normal communion offering. Our support for the Annual conference and world united Methodist Missions has been paid in full for this year.
Next week I will be participating with a group that will review grants given from that money.
Jesus’ story of the judgment seat and him separating the people like goats and sheep tells us the importance of Generosity. Those who are chosen and affirmed are chosen because of their generosity.
I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me something to drink
A stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me
I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me.
I hear the same thing in funeral preparation. The defining thing lifted up by most people is the dead person’s generosity. He gave to those in need or he would give you the shirt off his back.
Today we are going to speak about giving to God, or the church. It is a way that we can reach far more people than you or I can do personally. This week I made a thought about how many people have their life touched by this church each week. I came up with something between 400 and 500 people. People who come here for preschool, worship, to sing, for self help groups, boy scout leaders, girls scout leaders, handicapped people, and more. This church touches their lives and enhances their walk with God.
Why do we give?
- 1. We give because we have been blessed.
The first tithe comes from Abraham who wins a battle and is able to free his nephew Lot along with Lot’s belongings. Gen 14:17-20
He went to the priest of God, Melchizedek of Salem, and after being blessed, gave one tenth of everything he had taken to the priest.
2. We give because we have received God’s promise. Abraham’s grandson Jacob was fleeing from his twin brother and had a vision of a ladder going to heaven. In that dream he was given a promise from God. His response after the dream was to promise to give on tenth of all that God was to give him.
- 3. We give because God tells us to give. Later God gives Moses the laws for the people of Israel. They are to bring a tenth of their harvest or their animals and offer them as a sacrifice to God.
4. Lastly we give because it feels good. Paul tells us, “God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7b
Offering for Jerusalem. Saving up each week and preparing to send the gift.
Plan what you are going to give. Know that God has blessed you.
Know that your giving has blessed others and they are so grateful they are sharing their joy with others.
This is the end of our series on giving, called “Enough”.
In your bulletin is another guide on your personal goals for the coming year.
It includes a giving goal and challenges you to look at tithing as part of your goal planning. Most importantly I hope you have learned and made a commitment to be good stewards of the little or the abundance God has given you, and as a child of God, you will grow in your ability to be in charge of what God has given you.
Attached to the insert is a referral slip to some financial advisors to help you if you need help with your finances. We can also do a more intense study on Christian finances, getting support from one another. Or you can go to the crown.org web site and get other materials to help you in your family finances.
None of us is too successful at this and none of us is too hopelessly lost. We can all grow from learning more.
Pray about these things, look at your goals and commitments, and joyfully make your decisions about these things.
This week you will get a letter from me with an estimate of giving card for 2010.
Next week we will give you an opportunity to bring that card to the altar and we will consecrate these commitments to the glory of God.
Paul gives instruction on giving Corinthians
Give regularly: 1 Corinthians 16 take an offering in the first day of every week.
This offering was for the church in Jerusalem which was undergoing great hardship and persecution.
Plan what you are going to give.
Don’t give reluctantly: 2 Corinthians 8 & 9
