TEXT: Selected Texts
Acts 20:28
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”
The Church cost Jesus Christ His life!
Christians don’t fall out of love with the church they fall out of obedience to the Saviour.
Generosity is the sure sign of a healthy church!
Giving ordinary people a place to belong so they can experience an extraordinary life in Christ.
We want to be a give first church because we serve a give first God!
I. TIME
Psalm 90:10; 12
“The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
How you spend your time and with who will display what is a priority in your life.
II. TALENT
A spiritual gift is given to you by God after salvation through the power of the Holy Spirit to help strengthen the church.
Romans 14:17,18
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.”
Am I hiding my talent or helping others?
III. TREASURES
A surrendered heart is marked by a life of generosity.
1. Everyone was actively involved in the giving.
2. Everyone gave according to their ability.
3. The needs of the church were met accordingly.
4. There was accountability for the giving.
Generosity is not something God wants from us but for us.
I Timothy 6:17-19
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
Quote:
“God prospers me not to raise my standard of living but to raise my standard of giving.” Randy Alcorn
Quote:
“God judges what we give by what we keep.” G. Mueller.
Quote:
“Where your pleasure is, there is your treasure; where your treasure is, there is your heart; where your heart is, there is your happiness.” Augustine.
When Jesus is your greatest treasure giving is a pleasure and generosity will always trump prosperity.
IV. TOUCH
Touching someone’s life is to meet a legitimate need whether emotional, physical, financial, or spiritual.
Jesus didn’t call us to safety He called us to serve!