Unfortunately, I missed hearing Blake's sermon on discipleship 2 Sundays ago. After reading his notes, I would encourage anyone to get the audio version of the service. If you'd like to comment on this or any other sermon, please feel free to do so!
However, this Sunday, Tim shared on our core value – STEWARDSHIP. It was a fantastic sermon. In Genesis God gave us full reign of the earth. In light of the way the world is today, it makes me wonder what kind of “care” we have taken of the gift that God has given us. Even beyond stewarding the world well, Tim challenged us to steward our finances, our resources/gifts/ time, and talents as well.
Money should not just be carelessly “thrown” into the offering plate when passing by, but given with thought and preparation – asking the Lord. Nobody should tell you what or how to give. God doesn’t need your money….so most of all do not give out of guilt. There is a Biblical principle of giving 10% of your first fruits (Num 18:26) but the ultimate decision is between you and God. Keep in mind tithing involves sacrifice (remember the story of the widow’s offering – Mark 12:41!)
Stewarding our “resources/gifts/time/talents” can be as simple as volunteering your time to help out with kids church, offering to help with preparing food for events, serving on the music worship team, serving Communion, etc. There are many ways that we can give back to God. The most important thing to remember is to be listening to what He is asking of you – and to DO it!
Be faithful in your generosity and God will bless you.
1 Cor: 9
6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9As it is written:
"He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever."a]">[a] 10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
12This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
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