Embracing Generosity: A Call to Kingdom Building
Summary
It's a joy to gather in the presence of the King, knowing that He is always with us, waiting for us to come into His presence. Today, I want to share a personal journey that transformed my understanding of missions and generosity. Growing up in a mission-oriented church, I struggled to connect with the concept of missions. It wasn't until a pivotal trip to a sensitive country in Asia that my heart was truly opened. This experience taught me the profound impact of supporting missions, not just as a duty, but as a calling to be a Kingdom Builder.
During that trip, I witnessed the dedication of believers who risked their safety to worship, and it stirred something within me. God wasn't calling me to the mission field, but to support it wholeheartedly. This realization led to a shift in my ministry, where I became intentional about fostering a culture of generosity. I learned that generosity is not about the amount we give, but the heart behind it. It's about being willing to support God's work, trusting that He will provide.
Our culture often encourages selfishness, bombarding us with messages that we need more to be happy. Yet, Jesus teaches us that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Studies show that those who give are happier and less likely to feel hopeless. Living a generous life is not just about financial blessings; it's about being part of something greater than ourselves, knowing that God uses us to fulfill His purposes.
Today, I challenge us to move beyond our natural selfishness and embrace a life of generosity. Whether it's supporting local initiatives like Embrace Grace or global efforts like Convoy of Hope, our giving has eternal significance. It's not about equal giving, but equal sacrifice. Let's follow the example of young Hudson, who gives from his heart, and dare to trust God with our resources. As we step out in faith, we can be confident that God will use our generosity to change lives and advance His Kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
- Presence of God: We are always in the presence of God, who waits for us to come to Him. This awareness should transform our worship and prayer life, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles. [38:18]
- Generosity as a Heart Issue: True generosity is not about the amount we give but the heart behind it. It's a reflection of our trust in God and our willingness to be used by Him to bless others. [47:42]
- Cultural Selfishness: Our culture often promotes selfishness, but Jesus teaches that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Embracing a generous lifestyle leads to greater happiness and fulfillment. [52:19]
- Impact of Giving: Our generosity can have a profound impact, not just financially but spiritually and emotionally. When we give, we become part of God's work in the world, bringing hope and transformation to those in need. [56:35]
- Faith and Generosity: Trusting God with our resources requires faith, especially when we don't have all the answers. Like the Navy SEALs' motto, "Who dares, wins," stepping out in faith allows God to work through us in powerful ways. [01:07:11]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [38:18] - Introduction and Greetings
- [39:26] - Upcoming Series Announcement
- [40:59] - Personal Confession and Mission Struggles
- [46:05] - Transformation Through Mission Trip
- [47:06] - God's Call to Generosity
- [47:42] - Tithing and Trusting God
- [48:50] - Selfishness in Our Nature
- [49:50] - Cultural Influence on Selfishness
- [52:19] - The Blessing of Giving
- [53:59] - Studies on Happiness and Giving
- [55:23] - Emotional Impact of Generosity
- [56:35] - The Role of Sacrifice in Blessing Others
- [57:41] - Generosity Beyond Financial Means
- [01:07:11] - Faith and Generosity: A Call to Action
- [01:11:07] - Invitation to Participate in Miracle Offering
- [01:16:23] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. James 5:13-15
2. Acts 20:35
3. Luke 12:16-21
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Observation Questions:
1. What does James 5:13-15 say about the role of prayer in times of trouble and sickness? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on community support and prayer? [38:18]
2. In Acts 20:35, what does Jesus say about giving and receiving? How does this align with the sermon’s message on the blessings of generosity? [52:19]
3. According to Luke 12:16-21, what was the rich man's mistake, and how does this story illustrate the sermon’s point about the heart issue behind generosity? [59:56]
4. How did the pastor’s personal journey to a sensitive country in Asia change his perspective on missions and generosity? [46:05]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the passage in James 5:13-15 encourage believers to rely on their community during difficult times? What might this look like in a modern church setting? [38:18]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that cultural messages about happiness and materialism conflict with the teachings of Jesus in Acts 20:35? [52:19]
3. How does the story of the rich man in Luke 12:16-21 challenge contemporary views on wealth and success? What does this imply about the priorities of a believer? [59:56]
4. The pastor mentioned a shift in his ministry focus after his mission trip. How does this reflect the idea of being a "Kingdom Builder" as discussed in the sermon? [46:05]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God’s presence in a challenging situation. How did that awareness change your approach to the problem? How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God’s presence in your daily life? [38:18]
2. The sermon emphasizes that true generosity is a heart issue. What steps can you take to examine and align your heart with God’s call to generosity? [47:42]
3. Consider the cultural messages you encounter daily that promote selfishness. How can you actively counter these messages in your life and embrace a lifestyle of giving? [52:19]
4. The pastor shared about the impact of giving on happiness and fulfillment. Have you experienced this in your own life? What are some practical ways you can increase your generosity this week? [53:59]
5. The sermon challenges us to support both local and global initiatives. Identify one local and one global cause you feel passionate about. How can you contribute to these causes in a meaningful way? [01:04:00]
6. Reflect on the story of young Hudson and his heart for giving. How can you encourage a similar spirit of generosity in your family or community? [01:05:54]
7. The pastor mentioned the importance of faith in trusting God with our resources. What is one area of your life where you need to step out in faith and trust God more fully? [01:07:11]
Devotional
Day 1: The Ever-Present King
In the journey of faith, recognizing the constant presence of God is transformative. This awareness reshapes how one approaches worship and prayer, knowing that God is always near, waiting for His people to come to Him. This understanding provides comfort and strength, especially during struggles, as it assures believers that they are never alone. Embracing this truth can deepen one's relationship with God, fostering a more intimate and personal connection. [38:18]
"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." (Psalm 145:18, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in your daily life, especially during moments of difficulty or doubt?
Day 2: Generosity from the Heart
True generosity transcends the mere act of giving; it is a reflection of the heart's posture towards God and others. It is not measured by the amount given but by the willingness to support God's work and trust in His provision. This perspective shifts the focus from obligation to a joyful calling, encouraging believers to be Kingdom Builders. By aligning one's heart with God's purposes, generosity becomes a powerful expression of faith and love. [47:42]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: Consider your current approach to giving. How can you align your heart more closely with God's purposes in your acts of generosity?
Day 3: Counter-Cultural Generosity
In a world that often promotes selfishness and materialism, Jesus' teaching that it is more blessed to give than to receive stands in stark contrast. Embracing a lifestyle of generosity leads to greater happiness and fulfillment, as studies have shown. This counter-cultural approach challenges believers to resist societal pressures and instead find joy in giving. By doing so, they participate in something greater than themselves, contributing to God's work in the world. [52:19]
"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:16, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where cultural influences have encouraged selfishness. How can you intentionally practice generosity in that area this week?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Giving
Generosity has a profound impact beyond financial contributions; it touches lives spiritually and emotionally. When believers give, they become part of God's work, bringing hope and transformation to those in need. This act of giving is not about equal amounts but equal sacrifice, as each person contributes according to their ability. By stepping out in faith, believers can trust that God will use their generosity to change lives and advance His Kingdom. [56:35]
"Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." (Proverbs 11:25, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a specific person or cause that could benefit from your generosity. What steps can you take today to make a meaningful impact in their life?
Day 5: Faith in Action through Generosity
Trusting God with one's resources requires faith, especially when the future is uncertain. Like the Navy SEALs' motto, "Who dares, wins," stepping out in faith allows God to work through believers in powerful ways. This act of faith is a call to action, inviting believers to participate in God's miraculous work through their generosity. By daring to trust God, they open themselves to His blessings and the opportunity to be a blessing to others. [01:07:11]
"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you hesitated to give due to uncertainty. How can you take a step of faith today, trusting God with your resources?
Quotes
"It's so beautiful to be in the presence of the king this morning. And he's here. The beauty is, he's always here. We don't have to invite him here. He's here waiting on us. So we have to come into his presence this morning." [00:23:30] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God has a way of providing. And that was the moment that opened the new level of blessing for the church. But I tell you all that because, as I said, there was a selfishness to me. And I think if we'd be honest, we all have a certain level of selfishness." [00:48:10] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God wants to bless us beyond the tithe, but we have to give it that. So let me give you a quick example out of the scripture. Luke chapter 12 tells us of a guy that was absolutely loaded. And look at this story. Jesus is talking here. Here in Luke 12, 16, he says, then he told them a story. A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops." [00:59:35] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Admiral McRaven in the book he says the next morning after the mission was over with and the SEALs had been extracted and bin Laden's remains from the bottom of the ocean he said the world started to wake up to a jubilant America because we had seen justice but the book goes on to say when he was interviewed about the decision President Obama said this he said while the intel was 50 -50 I knew the SEALs the Hilo crews and the intelligence personnel I could count on were a hundred percent and I moved on that why am I telling you all this because as you sense the Lord stirring something inside you you're probably not gonna figure it all out you're not gonna be able to figure it all out you may think man I don't know where the money will come from what if this happens what if I don't I don't know what to do I know I want to be generous I want to be a part but how do what does this start to look like you may feel like President Obama where you feel like you've got 50 % of the intelligence but you have a hundred percent of Jesus you can count on I believe with all my heart if he can get it to you he'll get it or if he can get it through you he'll get it to you so when we give a gift like this we don't know what the gift can mean we don't we don't know what kind of impact a lot that real estate investor who gave me a thousand dollars back in 2004 Do you know that stirred something inside of me, that broke something, shifted something inside of me? And since 2005, through my ministry, both as a youth pastor here and as a lead pastor, we've raised more than $1 million for missions because of that." [01:08:33] (94 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"We don't know when we give what kind of impact that will have, but the God of the universe does. So my question for you this morning is, can we move past the selfishness that we have? Can we move into a place of generosity because the girls of Embrace Grace need us?" [01:10:13] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"I just want to challenge you because I know when we give to missions, that is near and dear the heart of King Jesus. It is. Because we're making a difference and it's not anything having to do with us. It's literally for somebody else." [01:16:05] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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