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.
Are you seeking a life filled with true richness and purpose? In this message we’ll explore the transformative power of generosity. In a world that often measures success by material wealth, Jesus offers us a profound counter-narrative: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
Are you struggling to find contentment in your life? Do you feel like you are always chasing after the next thing, but never truly satisfied? In a world that is constantly telling us we need more to be happy, it can be difficult to find true contentment. In this message we will look at what Jesus and the Apostle Paul teach about contentment, possessions and success.
In the New Testament, we read how Christians were routinely persecuted. They were harassed, beaten, flogged, thrown in prison, or killed. Yet the Apostles suffering caused the leaders of the early church to rejoice. This is the paradox of sacrifice. We will focus on this paradox in a message titled, “Giving from the Heart: Paradox of Sacrifice.”
How do we measure success? Often we think the attainment of fame, wealth, and power is a success. Yet King Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes proclaims he obtained all these and found them to be meaningless and a chasing after the wind. Then where do we truly find success?
King Solomon ruled Israel from about 1,000 BC to around 960 BC. Do you remember what Solomon was known for? He was known for his wisdom. People came from all around to seek his wisdom. Solomon started off well but then something shifted. This shift is noted when the scripture says, “It took Solomon seven years to build the temple and thirteen years to build his house.” In that sentence is a shift that is easy to do if we are unaware.
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?”
If we don’t build a strong financial foundation, we will struggle our whole lives. But once we build that foundation we find that we are able to give, save and live on the rest. In this message we will focus on how to build that foundation.
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