Are you ready to discover the true essence of generosity? In a world where the measure of generosity is often tied to the amount given, Jesus presents us with a refreshing perspective that challenges our understanding and encourages us to reflect on the sincerity of our offerings.
Jesus knew that many people have a scarcity mentality. Remember when, Jesus fed the crowd with a bit of fish and bread? And the apostles who represent a worldview of scarcity, advised Jesus against feeding the crowd. “But how will two fish and five loaves be enough for so many?” We see scarcity but Jesus sees abundance.
The apostle Paul points out in 2 Corinthians 9 that we have a choice. We can shape our lives in terms of abundance or scarcity. Our choice affects how we look at life. This is to say, we have to decide whether we will live by faith or by fear. To live by faith is to live out of the confidence that God provides; there will always be enough. To live by worry is to believe that there isn’t and won’t be enough. How do you live? Do you think that your life is filled with abundance or scarcity? We will dig into this question in a message titled, “How is Your Heart: Generous Heart.”
Where do we invest our life? Do we invest in stuff that loses value over time? That is sold off for pennies on the dollar at the end of our life. What do we do with the talents God invests in us. Do we dig a hole in the ground and bury them or do we double their value? Will God say, “well done good and faithful steward?”
We know the scriptures say, “God loves a cheerful giver.” A cheerful giver doesn’t give reluctantly or out of compulsion. A cheerful giver gives out of thanks for all that God does for him or her. Maybe that was Cain’s problem.
Sermon preached at Gold Canyon United Methodist Church in Gold Canyon, Arizona on February 10, 2019 by Rev. Fred A. Steinberg Gold Canyon United Methodist Church 6640 S Kings Ranch Rd. Gold Canyon, Arizona 85118 480-982-3776 www.GoldCanyonUMC.org
Sermon preached at Gold Canyon United Methodist Church in Gold Canyon, Arizona on February 4, 2018 by Rev. Fred A. Steinberg
Sermon preached at Gold Canyon United Methodist Church in Gold Canyon, Arizona on December 3, 2017 by Rev. Fred A. Steinberg
Sermon preached at Gold Canyon United Methodist Church in Gold Canyon, Arizona on February 5, 2017 by Rev. Fred A. Steinberg
Sermon preached at Gold Canyon United Methodist Church in Gold Canyon, Arizona on February 7, 2016 by Rev. Fred Steinberg