Sermons on Malachi 3:10

Malachi 3:10 Interpretation:

Trusting God: The Blessings of Generous Giving (Northminster Church) interprets Malachi 3:10 as an invitation to experience the adventure of trusting God. The sermon emphasizes that God challenges believers to test Him by bringing the whole tithe, promising that He will provide abundantly. The speaker connects this to a personal narrative of God's faithfulness, suggesting that trusting God with finances is part of a larger adventure of faith.

Investing in God's Kingdom: A Call to Stewardship (weareclctinley) interprets Malachi 3:10 by focusing on the principle of sowing and reaping. The sermon uses the analogy of planting seeds to explain that tithing is like planting a seed in God's kingdom, which will yield a harvest of blessings. The speaker emphasizes that God's responsibility is to provide the seed and the harvest, while the believer's responsibility is to sow the seed through tithing.

Trusting God: A Journey of Faith and Stewardship (ALCPNW) interprets Malachi 3:10 as a test of trust. The sermon highlights that tithing is a way to demonstrate trust in God as the provider. The speaker uses the historical context of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem to illustrate how the Israelites were challenged to trust God with their resources, and how this principle applies to modern believers.

Transformative Stewardship: Trusting God Through Generous Giving (Shadow Mountain Community Church) interprets Malachi 3:10 by emphasizing the reciprocal nature of giving and receiving. The sermon uses the metaphor of God's "reservoir of grace" to describe how God blesses those who tithe. It suggests that when believers give, God opens the "windows of heaven" and blesses them abundantly, not just financially but in various aspects of life. The sermon also highlights the importance of trusting God with one's finances as a demonstration of faith and obedience.

Faithful Stewardship: The Blessing of Tithing (Union City Wesleyan Church) interprets Malachi 3:10 as a test of faith and priorities. The sermon emphasizes that tithing is a test for believers to demonstrate their trust in God by giving the first 10% of their income. The pastor explains that tithing is not just a financial obligation but a spiritual discipline that reflects one's heart and priorities. The sermon also highlights that God invites believers to test Him in this area, promising blessings in return for their faithfulness.

Generosity: Trusting God Over Material Wealth (SCN Live) interprets Malachi 3:10 as a call to sacrificial generosity. The sermon emphasizes that God desires His people to adopt a giving mentality, reflecting His own generous nature. The pastor uses the story of the widow's offering to illustrate that true generosity is not about the amount given but the heart behind the giving. The sermon encourages believers to trust God with their finances and to give sacrificially, even when it seems insignificant.

Aligning Finances with Faith: Principles of Financial Freedom (LIFE NZ) interprets Malachi 3:10 as a divine test of trust and sovereignty. The sermon emphasizes that tithing is not merely an Old Testament law but an ordinance, a God-command that transcends the law. The speaker uses the original Hebrew term "ordinance" to highlight that tithing is a principle of freedom and sovereignty, not just a legalistic requirement. The sermon also uses the analogy of a four-part financial equation—stewarding, seeding, saving, and spending—to illustrate how tithing fits into a broader framework of financial freedom and divine blessing.

Trusting God: The Power of First Fruits (Radiate Church) interprets Malachi 3:10 as a call to give God the first and best of what we have, emphasizing the principle of first fruits. The sermon uses the analogy of pie to illustrate how people often give God their leftovers instead of their first and best. The preacher explains that the Hebrew word for tithe means "tenth," and emphasizes that tithing is about obedience, perspective, and trust. The sermon also highlights the historical transition from tithing as a law in the Old Testament to a principle of radical generosity in the New Testament.

From Giving to Generosity: Flowing Blessings (Hickory Ridge) interprets Malachi 3:10 by contrasting a "set it and forget it" mindset with a mindset of active generosity. The sermon uses the metaphor of a pond versus a river to illustrate the difference between stagnant giving and dynamic generosity. The preacher emphasizes that God wants us to be like a river, connected to Him and flowing with blessings to others, rather than like a pond that is stagnant and self-contained.

Unlocking Abundant Blessings Through Heaven's Windows (TMH RVA) interprets Malachi 3:10 by focusing on the metaphor of "windows of heaven" as a portal for divine blessings. The sermon draws a parallel between physical windows that provide light, air, and protection, and the spiritual windows of heaven that offer Jesus as the light, God's breath, vision for the future, protection, and comfort. The Hebrew word for window, "Aruba," meaning a floodgate, is highlighted to emphasize the abundance of blessings that God promises to pour out.

Trusting God with Our Finances: A Journey of Faith (The Collective Church) interprets Malachi 3:10 by emphasizing the conditional promise of God's provision. The sermon highlights the Hebrew meaning of "wealth" as sufficiency, not richness, and encourages believers to trust God with their finances by giving their best, not leftovers. The sermon uses the analogy of a conditional promise, where honoring God with wealth leads to overflowing blessings.

Embracing Destiny Through Tithing and Divine Invitation (Lewis Ministries International) interprets Malachi 3:10 by focusing on the principle of tithing as a gateway to divine blessings. The sermon emphasizes that tithing is not just an Old Testament law but a principle that continues through Jesus Christ. The sermon uses the analogy of a "miracle in a dime" to illustrate the power of tithing in unlocking God's provision.

Generosity: A Heartfelt Response to God's Grace (Granite United Church) interprets Malachi 3:10 by highlighting the Macedonian churches' example of giving out of poverty and joy. The sermon emphasizes that giving is a response to God's grace and a privilege to participate in God's work. The sermon encourages believers to test God in their giving and witness His blessings.

The Heart's Test: Money and Tithing (Encounter Church NZ) interprets Malachi 3:10 by presenting tithing as a test of the heart and a declaration of trust in God. The sermon emphasizes that tithing is about returning to God what is already His and that it is a key to financial redemption and blessing. The sermon uses the analogy of Jesus as God's tithe to illustrate the principle of firstfruits and redemption.

Transforming Treasures: From Wealth to Hope in Giving (Asbury Church) interprets Malachi 3:10 by emphasizing the transformation of a treasure chest into a hope chest. The sermon uses the analogy of a treasure chest to illustrate how giving to God turns personal treasures into hope for the world. The preacher highlights the simplicity of the tithe as 10% and stresses that it is already God's, not something extra we give. The sermon also notes that the tithe should go to the local church, which is considered God's storehouse.

Embracing Faith: Trust, Generosity, and Community Impact (Radiate Church) interprets Malachi 3:10 by focusing on the promise of God's provision and protection when we give. The sermon emphasizes the idea of testing God in this area, as it is the only place in Scripture where God invites us to do so. The preacher encourages the congregation to trust God with their finances and to expect blessings that may not be material but will be significant in their lives.

Generosity: A Heartfelt Journey of Trust and Giving (Crossroads Church) interprets Malachi 3:10 as an invitation from God to test His faithfulness through tithing. The sermon emphasizes that God is a "positive reward parent" who invites believers to trust Him by giving their first 10% as a demonstration of faith. The speaker uses the original language to highlight that the word "test" in Malachi is unique, suggesting a challenge to prove God's reliability. The sermon also contrasts the concept of "mammon" as a false god that competes for the believer's trust, emphasizing that true trust should be placed in God, not material wealth.

Malachi 3:10 Theological Themes:

Trusting God: The Blessings of Generous Giving (Northminster Church) presents the theme of God's unchanging faithfulness. The sermon emphasizes that God's steadfast love and provision are constant, even in difficult times, and that trusting God with tithes is a response to His unwavering faithfulness.

Investing in God's Kingdom: A Call to Stewardship (weareclctinley) introduces the theme of partnership with God. The sermon suggests that tithing is a way for believers to partner with God in His work, and that this partnership leads to a deeper understanding of God's provision and blessings.

Trusting God: A Journey of Faith and Stewardship (ALCPNW) explores the theme of divine testing. The sermon explains that tithing is a test of trust, where believers are invited to trust God with their resources and experience His provision in return.

Transformative Stewardship: Trusting God Through Generous Giving (Shadow Mountain Community Church) presents the theme of God's faithfulness in providing for those who trust Him with their resources. It emphasizes that tithing is not just about money but about developing a relationship of trust with God, who promises to care for His people.

Embracing Abundant Life Through Surrender and Stewardship (RevivalTab) introduces the theme of testing God as an act of faith. The sermon challenges believers to take the "tithing challenge" as a way to experience God's faithfulness and blessings, suggesting that God invites believers to test Him in this area to see His provision.

Faithful Stewardship: The Blessing of Tithing (Union City Wesleyan Church) presents the theme that tithing is a spiritual discipline that aligns believers with God's priorities. The sermon emphasizes that tithing is not just about money but about putting God first in every area of life. It highlights the idea that God cannot be second in any aspect of a believer's life, including finances.

Generosity: Trusting God Over Material Wealth (SCN Live) introduces the theme of sacrificial giving as a reflection of God's character. The sermon suggests that true generosity involves giving beyond what is comfortable or convenient, trusting that God will provide and bless in return. It challenges believers to move beyond a transactional view of giving to one that is relational and faith-driven.

Aligning Finances with Faith: Principles of Financial Freedom (LIFE NZ) presents the theme of divine sovereignty and trust. The sermon suggests that tithing is a test of trust in God's sovereignty over one's financial world. It emphasizes that financial freedom is not just about having money but about recognizing God's ownership and trusting Him with the first tenth of one's increase.

Understanding Freedom Through Faith and Obedience (Church of the Harvest) introduces the theme of spiritual warfare and bondage. The sermon suggests that failing to tithe opens a door to spiritual bondage, linking the act of tithing to spiritual freedom and protection from the devourer. It presents tithing as a way to close spiritual doors and maintain freedom in Christ.

Trusting God: The Power of First Fruits (Radiate Church) presents the theme of radical generosity as a New Testament principle that goes beyond the Old Testament law of tithing. The sermon emphasizes that giving is not just about fulfilling a requirement but about living a lifestyle of generosity that reflects God's character.

From Giving to Generosity: Flowing Blessings (Hickory Ridge) introduces the theme of a "set it and forget it" mindset versus a dynamic relationship with God. The sermon emphasizes that generosity is an expression of love in action and that God desires a relationship with us where we are actively engaged in His work.

Unlocking Abundant Blessings Through Heaven's Windows (TMH RVA) presents the theme of divine provision and protection through the metaphor of windows of heaven, emphasizing the abundance and overflow of God's blessings.

Trusting God with Our Finances: A Journey of Faith (The Collective Church) introduces the theme of conditional promises, where God's provision is linked to honoring Him with wealth, highlighting the sufficiency of God's blessings.

Embracing Destiny Through Tithing and Divine Invitation (Lewis Ministries International) explores the theme of tithing as a principle of worship and stewardship, emphasizing the continuity of tithing from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

Generosity: A Heartfelt Response to God's Grace (Granite United Church) focuses on the theme of generosity as a response to God's grace, highlighting the joy and privilege of giving as an act of worship.

The Heart's Test: Money and Tithing (Encounter Church NZ) emphasizes the theme of tithing as a test of the heart, highlighting the importance of placing God first in finances and the redemptive power of the tithe.

Transforming Treasures: From Wealth to Hope in Giving (Asbury Church) presents the theme of stewardship, emphasizing that everything we have belongs to God and that we are merely managers of His blessings. The sermon also introduces the idea of a "faith check," encouraging believers to trust God with their finances even when it requires sacrifice.

Embracing Faith: Trust, Generosity, and Community Impact (Radiate Church) introduces the theme of generosity as a seed planted in fertile soil, which will reap a harvest beyond our expectations. The sermon also highlights the concept of being blessed to be a blessing, encouraging believers to use their resources to further God's kingdom.

Generosity: A Heartfelt Journey of Trust and Giving (Crossroads Church) presents the theme that tithing is not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual act that signifies giving God the first place in one's heart. The sermon introduces the idea that tithing is about returning to God what is already His, rather than giving, and that true generosity begins with offerings from the remaining 90% of one's income.

Living Generously: The True Essence of Worship (Mt. Olive Austin) introduces the theme that generosity is an act of worship and a reflection of one's trust in God. The sermon emphasizes that God deserves the best from His people, and giving is a demonstration of faith and dependence on God to provide for one's needs.

Generosity: A Reflection of Faith and Love (Daniel Kiefer) highlights the theme that generosity is an investment in eternity and a reflection of one's love for God and others. The sermon emphasizes that giving should be done cheerfully and with love, as it is a spiritual act that furthers the gospel and brings glory to God.

Malachi 3:10 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Trusting God: A Journey of Faith and Stewardship (ALCPNW) provides historical context by explaining that Malachi prophesied during the time of Nehemiah, when the Israelites were rebuilding Jerusalem after returning from exile. The sermon highlights that the Israelites' commitment to tithing was part of their dedication to God and the rebuilding of their community.

Transformative Stewardship: Trusting God Through Generous Giving (Shadow Mountain Community Church) provides historical context by explaining the agricultural setting of Malachi's time. It describes how tithing was a way for the Israelites to ensure that their storehouses were full, and God promised to bless them with abundant harvests if they were faithful in their tithes.

Generosity: Trusting God Over Material Wealth (SCN Live) provides historical context by explaining that Jesus spoke more about money than many other topics because He understood the struggle people would have with it. The sermon notes that financial stress was common in Jesus' time, just as it is today, and that Jesus' teachings on money were meant to address the heart issues related to wealth and possessions.

Aligning Finances with Faith: Principles of Financial Freedom (LIFE NZ) provides historical context by explaining that the term "ordinance" in Malachi 3:10 refers to a God-command that predates the Old Testament law. The sermon clarifies that tithing is not merely a legalistic requirement but a principle that has been in place since the time of the forefathers, emphasizing its timeless nature.

Trusting God: The Power of First Fruits (Radiate Church) provides historical context by explaining the transition from tithing as a law in the Old Testament to a principle of radical generosity in the New Testament. The sermon explains that in the New Testament, tithing became a temple tax enforced by the Roman government, and Jesus challenged people to give out of love and generosity rather than obligation.

Unlocking Abundant Blessings Through Heaven's Windows (TMH RVA) provides historical context by referencing the Hebrew word "Aruba" and its meaning as a floodgate, illustrating the abundance of blessings associated with the windows of heaven.

Trusting God with Our Finances: A Journey of Faith (The Collective Church) offers cultural insights by explaining the Hebrew meaning of "wealth" as sufficiency, not richness, and the historical practice of tithing to support the Levites and priests.

Embracing Destiny Through Tithing and Divine Invitation (Lewis Ministries International) provides historical context by tracing the principle of tithing from Abraham to the New Testament, emphasizing its continuity as a principle of worship.

The Heart's Test: Money and Tithing (Encounter Church NZ) offers historical insights by explaining the significance of tithing in the Old Testament and its continuation in the New Testament, highlighting the role of Jesus as the high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

Transforming Treasures: From Wealth to Hope in Giving (Asbury Church) provides historical context by explaining the role of the tithe in supporting the temple and its workers in ancient Israel. The sermon also notes that the tithe was a straightforward 10%, unlike the complex tax codes of today.

Living Generously: The True Essence of Worship (Mt. Olive Austin) provides historical context by explaining that the book of Malachi was written after the Israelites returned from exile. Despite God's faithfulness, the people were offering blemished sacrifices, indicating a heart problem. The sermon explains that God, through Malachi, calls the people to repentance and to give their best as a demonstration of faithfulness and trust in Him.

Malachi 3:10 Cross-References in the Bible:

Trusting God: The Blessings of Generous Giving (Northminster Church) references Lamentations to emphasize God's steadfast love and faithfulness, even in times of lament. This cross-reference supports the interpretation of Malachi 3:10 as an invitation to trust in God's provision.

Investing in God's Kingdom: A Call to Stewardship (weareclctinley) references several Bible passages, including Proverbs 3:9, Haggai 1:6, and 2 Corinthians 9:6, to support the principle of sowing and reaping. These references are used to illustrate the idea that tithing is an investment in God's kingdom that yields a spiritual harvest.

Trusting God: A Journey of Faith and Stewardship (ALCPNW) references Genesis 1 and the story of creation to emphasize God's nature as the first and the giver. The sermon also references the parable of the talents to illustrate the concept of stewardship and trusting God with resources.

Transformative Stewardship: Trusting God Through Generous Giving (Shadow Mountain Community Church) references several biblical stories to support the message of God's provision, including the feeding of the Israelites with manna, Elijah being fed by ravens, and Jesus feeding the 5,000. These stories are used to illustrate God's ability to provide for His people when they trust Him.

Embracing Abundant Life Through Surrender and Stewardship (RevivalTab) references the story of the Macedonians in 2 Corinthians, who gave themselves first to God and then to others. This cross-reference is used to emphasize the importance of prioritizing one's relationship with God in the act of giving.

Faithful Stewardship: The Blessing of Tithing (Union City Wesleyan Church) references Matthew 6:21, which states, "Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will be also." This passage is used to support the idea that tithing is a heart issue and reflects one's priorities. The sermon also references Romans 12:2, emphasizing the need for transformation and renewal of the mind in all areas, including finances.

Aligning Finances with Faith: Principles of Financial Freedom (LIFE NZ) references Matthew 23:23, where Jesus acknowledges the importance of tithing while also emphasizing justice, mercy, and faithfulness. This cross-reference is used to support the idea that tithing is a New Testament principle as well, reinforcing its relevance for Christians today.

Understanding Freedom Through Faith and Obedience (Church of the Harvest) references Genesis 3 and the story of Adam and Eve to illustrate the concept of taking what belongs to God. The sermon uses this story to draw a parallel between the original sin and the act of withholding tithes, suggesting that both actions open doors to spiritual bondage.

Trusting God: The Power of First Fruits (Radiate Church) references Numbers 18 and Deuteronomy 14 to explain the Old Testament principles of tithing and offerings. The sermon also references John 8:32 to emphasize the truth that sets us free and 2 Chronicles 31 to illustrate the power of generosity in breaking a recession.

From Giving to Generosity: Flowing Blessings (Hickory Ridge) references Acts 20:35 to highlight the words of Jesus about the blessing of giving and Luke 6:38 to emphasize the principle of giving and receiving. The sermon also references Romans 8:28 to illustrate the relational nature of God's promises.

Unlocking Abundant Blessings Through Heaven's Windows (TMH RVA) references Genesis 7:11-12, Genesis 8:2, and 2 Kings 7:2, 19-20 to illustrate the concept of windows of heaven as floodgates of provision and deliverance, emphasizing the miraculous nature of God's blessings.

Trusting God with Our Finances: A Journey of Faith (The Collective Church) references Proverbs 3:5-10 to support the theme of trusting God with finances and the promise of overflowing blessings for honoring God with wealth.

Embracing Destiny Through Tithing and Divine Invitation (Lewis Ministries International) references Leviticus 27:30 and Philippians 4:19 to emphasize the principle of tithing as a declaration of trust in God's provision and the promise of His riches in glory.

Generosity: A Heartfelt Response to God's Grace (Granite United Church) references 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 to highlight the theme of being saved and rescued by Jesus, emphasizing the privilege of investing in others through generosity.

The Heart's Test: Money and Tithing (Encounter Church NZ) references Matthew 6:21, 24, and Matthew 23:23 to emphasize the connection between money and the heart, highlighting the importance of tithing as an expression of worship and trust in God.

Transforming Treasures: From Wealth to Hope in Giving (Asbury Church) references Psalm 24:1 to support the idea that everything belongs to God. The sermon also cites Luke 12:32-34 to emphasize the connection between treasure and heart, encouraging believers to store up treasures in heaven.

Embracing Faith: Trust, Generosity, and Community Impact (Radiate Church) references Luke 6:38 to illustrate the principle of giving and receiving, highlighting the promise of blessings when we give generously.

Generosity: A Heartfelt Journey of Trust and Giving (Crossroads Church) references Matthew 6 to emphasize the importance of giving God the first place in one's heart. The sermon explains that where one's treasure is, there their heart will be also, and contrasts serving God with serving mammon. It also references Genesis 14 and Matthew 23 to support the practice of tithing as a principle that predates the law and is affirmed by Jesus.

Living Generously: The True Essence of Worship (Mt. Olive Austin) references Mark 12, where Jesus commends the widow's offering of two coins as an example of true worship and sacrifice. The sermon uses this story to illustrate that the value of a gift is not in its amount but in the sacrifice and trust it represents.

Generosity: A Reflection of Faith and Love (Daniel Kiefer) references 2 Corinthians 9 to emphasize that God loves a cheerful giver and that generosity is an investment in eternity. The sermon explains that those who sow generously will reap generously, and that giving is a spiritual act that produces thanksgiving and glorifies God.

Malachi 3:10 Christian References outside the Bible:

Trusting God: The Blessings of Generous Giving (Northminster Church) does not explicitly reference non-biblical Christian authors or theologians in the discussion of Malachi 3:10.

Investing in God's Kingdom: A Call to Stewardship (weareclctinley) does not explicitly reference non-biblical Christian authors or theologians in the discussion of Malachi 3:10.

Trusting God: A Journey of Faith and Stewardship (ALCPNW) does not explicitly reference non-biblical Christian authors or theologians in the discussion of Malachi 3:10.

Transformative Stewardship: Trusting God Through Generous Giving (Shadow Mountain Community Church) references Harry Ironside, a well-known Bible teacher, who prayed for God's provision in a time of financial need. This story is used to illustrate the power of prayer and God's faithfulness in providing for His people.

Faithful Stewardship: The Blessing of Tithing (Union City Wesleyan Church) mentions Dave Ramsey, a well-known Christian financial advisor, to support the idea of financial stewardship and the importance of tithing. The sermon references Ramsey's teachings on living within one's means and the benefits of tithing as part of a holistic approach to financial health.

Aligning Finances with Faith: Principles of Financial Freedom (LIFE NZ) references the book "God, Money, and Me" by Paul de Jong, which outlines a four-part financial equation for achieving financial freedom. The sermon uses this book to support its interpretation of Malachi 3:10 and to provide practical steps for financial stewardship and blessing.

Trusting God: The Power of First Fruits (Radiate Church) does not explicitly reference any non-biblical Christian authors or theologians.

From Giving to Generosity: Flowing Blessings (Hickory Ridge) references a quote from George Washington Carver about nature as a broadcasting station of God's grace and a quote from Tim Keller about allowing the Bible to examine us.

Trusting God with Our Finances: A Journey of Faith (The Collective Church) references a modern pastor's book on financial stewardship, emphasizing the importance of managing finances according to biblical principles and the impact of generosity on personal and communal well-being.

Transforming Treasures: From Wealth to Hope in Giving (Asbury Church) mentions Dave Ramsey's concept of "step beyond tithing," which involves giving over and above the tithe to do "cool stuff in Jesus' name."

Generosity: A Heartfelt Journey of Trust and Giving (Crossroads Church) references the concept of "mammon" as a false god, drawing on historical Christian teachings that identify mammon as a spiritual force that competes with God for the believer's trust. The sermon uses this reference to emphasize the importance of trusting God over material wealth.

Malachi 3:10 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Trusting God: The Blessings of Generous Giving (Northminster Church) does not provide illustrations from secular sources specifically related to Malachi 3:10.

Investing in God's Kingdom: A Call to Stewardship (weareclctinley) uses a personal story about a car to illustrate the concept of stewardship and trusting God with resources. The speaker shares an anecdote about God challenging them to use their car for the kingdom, which serves as a metaphor for surrendering personal possessions to God's purposes.

Trusting God: A Journey of Faith and Stewardship (ALCPNW) uses a personal story about a new car to illustrate the struggle between ownership and stewardship. The speaker shares how God challenged them to let someone else use their new car, highlighting the tension between personal control and trusting God with resources.

Embracing Abundant Life Through Surrender and Stewardship (RevivalTab) uses the analogy of trapping monkeys in Africa to illustrate the concept of surrender. The story describes how monkeys are trapped by placing a peanut in a bottle with a narrow opening, and the monkey's refusal to let go of the peanut leads to its capture. This analogy is used to encourage believers to let go of their financial worries and trust God for provision.

Faithful Stewardship: The Blessing of Tithing (Union City Wesleyan Church) uses a personal story about a car repair to illustrate God's provision and blessing in response to faithful tithing. The pastor shares how a costly car repair turned out to be a minor issue, attributing this to God's blessing for being faithful in tithing. This story serves as a practical example of how God can provide in unexpected ways when believers trust Him with their finances.

Aligning Finances with Faith: Principles of Financial Freedom (LIFE NZ) uses a personal story about the speaker's financial journey and the decision to double tithe as an illustration of faith and trust in God's provision. The story serves as a metaphor for the principle of sowing and reaping, demonstrating how faithfulness in tithing can lead to unexpected financial blessings and opportunities.

Trusting God: The Power of First Fruits (Radiate Church) uses the analogy of pie to illustrate how people often give God their leftovers instead of their first and best. The preacher describes the process of serving pie at a family gathering to emphasize the importance of giving God the first and best.

From Giving to Generosity: Flowing Blessings (Hickory Ridge) uses the metaphor of a pond versus a river to illustrate the difference between stagnant giving and dynamic generosity. The sermon describes the characteristics of a pond and a river to emphasize the importance of being connected to God and flowing with blessings to others.

Trusting God with Our Finances: A Journey of Faith (The Collective Church) uses a personal story about a family member's experience with financial provision during a time of need, illustrating the theme of trusting God with finances and the unexpected ways God can provide.

Generosity: A Heartfelt Response to God's Grace (Granite United Church) uses the example of the Macedonian churches' generosity despite their poverty to illustrate the theme of giving as a response to God's grace and the joy of participating in God's work.

Transforming Treasures: From Wealth to Hope in Giving (Asbury Church) uses the analogy of a treasure chest filled with personal items like silver dollars and squishies to illustrate the concept of turning personal treasures into a hope chest for God's work. The sermon also shares a humorous story about a parakeet escaping its cage, likening God's commandments to a protective cage rather than a prison.

Embracing Faith: Trust, Generosity, and Community Impact (Radiate Church) uses the analogy of decorative towels that are for looks but not use, encouraging believers to let go of their gifts and make an impact rather than keeping them for show.

Generosity: A Heartfelt Journey of Trust and Giving (Crossroads Church) uses the illustration of Ricky Bobby's quote, "If you ain't first, you're last," to humorously emphasize the biblical principle that God must be first in one's life. The sermon also references the cultural image of mammon as a false god, using a Google image search as a modern analogy to illustrate the concept of mammon as a spiritual force.