Faithful Giving: Trusting God for Abundant Blessings
Summary
### Summary
Thank you, Jesus. Hallelujah. Today, we gather for a faith promise service, a special time where we commit to giving to missions over the next year. This is a pledge that comes from the heart, and sometimes the Lord will speak to you directly, and sometimes He won't. But if you feel peace about a certain amount, that's perfectly fine. If you don't feel like giving, that's also okay. This is not a sin; it's a faith promise. The essence of a faith promise is, "God, if You give it, I'll give it."
We are now taking up our regular tithes and offerings. It's important to understand that this is separate from our faith promise for missions. You can't substitute your regular tithes and offerings with your faith promise. This is about going above and beyond. Even small sacrifices, like giving up a burger or a frappe, can be honored by God. Remember, God keeps track of everything we give. Even a cup of cool water given in His name will not go unrewarded. Jesus highlighted this when He praised the poor widow who gave two mites, saying she gave more than anyone else because she gave all she had.
God's greatest attribute is His faithfulness. If He wasn't faithful, we couldn't trust His word. But He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. When God says He will do something, it is as good as done. If you feel peace about giving a certain amount, even if it's not a direct word from the Lord, that's still valid. My wife and I often discuss and pray about our giving to ensure we both have peace about it.
We are merely servants in God's kingdom, doing our best to fulfill His will. Brother Monks, who had the gift of giving, exemplified this spirit. His generosity inspired others to give, and as a result, the church grew numerically, financially, and spiritually. The blessing of the Lord comes from giving, and we must create opportunities to give for our own benefit and blessing.
I recall a time when a backslider, who had been cursing the church, handed me a new sawzall in frustration, saying they had to obey God. This act of obedience boosted my faith tremendously. I then shared with the church that we needed $45,000 that week, and within 15 minutes, $47,500 was raised. This was a clear demonstration that God provides.
God has made me rich through giving. There have been years when I've given away 50% of my income, and God has always blessed me abundantly. Everything we have is from God, and we can never outgive Him. We raise our children to give, and they follow our example. Giving is a principle that brings joy and blessings.
We must continue to give to ensure the flow of God's blessings to the next generation. I don't want my grandchildren to think that having plenty is all there is to life. They need to learn the principle of sacrificial giving. God supplies all our needs, and we must be faithful stewards of His blessings.
When we purchased our current building, we had to come up with $850,000 in 30 days. Despite the challenges, God provided. We worked tirelessly to gather the necessary documents and funds, and God made it happen. This building, like everything else we have, is a testament to God's faithfulness.
Tonight, we are going to bless our missionaries. This is separate from our faith promise. We aim to give each missionary $10,000 to support their work abroad. They can't earn money in their mission fields, so it's up to us to support them. Let's pray and give generously to bless these missionaries.
In conclusion, everything we have belongs to God. We are merely stewards of His blessings. Let's continue to give with open hearts and hands, trusting that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Promise and Regular Giving: A faith promise is a commitment to give to missions above and beyond regular tithes and offerings. It is based on faith that God will provide the means to fulfill the pledge. This type of giving is not a substitute for regular tithes but an additional act of faith and sacrifice. [01:31]
2. God's Faithfulness: The greatest attribute of God is His faithfulness. He is unchanging and reliable, which means we can trust His promises completely. When God speaks, it is as good as done. This assurance allows us to give with confidence, knowing that God will honor His word. [06:33]
3. The Joy of Giving: Giving is not just a duty but a joy. It brings blessings and abundance in every aspect of life. When we give with a pure heart and right motives, God enriches our lives in ways we cannot imagine. This principle of joyful giving should be instilled in our children and future generations. [09:04]
4. Sacrificial Giving: True giving often involves sacrifice. It's not about the amount but the heart behind it. The story of the widow's mite illustrates that God values the heart and sacrifice more than the monetary value. Sacrificial giving brings God's favor and blessings. [03:01]
5. God's Provision: God always provides for His work. Whether it's raising funds for a building or supporting missionaries, God supplies all our needs. Our role is to be faithful stewards, trusting that God will provide the resources required to fulfill His purposes. [45:01]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:31] - Faith Promise and Regular Giving
3. [03:01] - The Widow's Mite
4. [06:33] - God's Faithfulness
5. [09:04] - The Joy of Giving
6. [25:05] - God's Riches for His Children
7. [28:40] - The Privilege of Giving
8. [38:02] - Teaching the Next Generation
9. [45:01] - God's Provision for the Church
10. [50:24] - Unexpected Blessings
11. [53:27] - The Gift of Giving
12. [55:33] - Sacrificial Giving for Future Generations
13. [58:35] - Vision for a Mission Budget
14. [01:04:18] - Blessing Our Missionaries
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 12:41-44 (NIV)
> "Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, 'Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.'"
2. Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
> "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
3. Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)
> "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of the widow's offering in Mark 12:41-44, and how does Jesus interpret her act of giving?
2. According to Philippians 4:19, what assurance do we have about God's provision for our needs?
3. How does Hebrews 13:8 describe the nature of Jesus Christ, and why is this important for our faith?
4. In the sermon, what example was given to illustrate the principle of sacrificial giving? ([03:01])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus commend the widow's offering more than the larger amounts given by the rich people? What does this teach us about the nature of true generosity?
2. How can the promise in Philippians 4:19 encourage us when we consider making a faith promise or giving sacrificially?
3. How does the unchanging nature of Jesus Christ, as described in Hebrews 13:8, provide a foundation for trusting God's faithfulness in our giving? ([06:33])
4. Reflecting on the pastor's story about raising $45,000 in 15 minutes, what does this reveal about God's provision and the faith of the congregation? ([52:06])
#### Application Questions
1. Have you ever felt a sense of peace about giving a certain amount, even if it wasn't a direct word from the Lord? How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([06:33])
2. Think about a time when you gave sacrificially. How did it impact your faith and your understanding of God's provision? ([03:01])
3. How can you instill the joy of giving in your children or younger generations? What practical steps can you take to model this principle? ([38:02])
4. Are there small sacrifices you can make in your daily life to contribute more to missions or other charitable causes? What might these sacrifices look like? ([01:31])
5. How can you ensure that your giving is done with the right heart and motives, as emphasized in the sermon? ([09:04])
6. Reflect on the pastor's story about the backslider who gave a sawzall. How can acts of obedience, even from unexpected sources, strengthen your faith? ([50:24])
7. What steps can you take to be a faithful steward of God's blessings, ensuring that you are contributing to the flow of blessings to future generations? ([55:33])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Promise and Regular Giving
A faith promise is a commitment to give to missions above and beyond regular tithes and offerings. It is based on faith that God will provide the means to fulfill the pledge. This type of giving is not a substitute for regular tithes but an additional act of faith and sacrifice. The essence of a faith promise is, "God, if You give it, I'll give it." This means that the commitment comes from the heart and is made in faith that God will provide the resources needed to fulfill it. Even small sacrifices, like giving up a burger or a frappe, can be honored by God. The act of giving, no matter how small, is significant in God's eyes.
It's important to understand that faith promises are separate from regular tithes and offerings. Regular tithes are a form of obedience, while faith promises are an act of faith and generosity. This distinction helps believers understand that their faith promise is an additional commitment to support missions and not a replacement for their regular giving. By making a faith promise, believers are stepping out in faith, trusting that God will provide the means to fulfill their pledge. [01:31]
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: What small sacrifice can you make this week to honor your faith promise to God?
Day 2: God's Faithfulness
God's greatest attribute is His faithfulness. He is unchanging and reliable, which means we can trust His promises completely. When God speaks, it is as good as done. This assurance allows us to give with confidence, knowing that God will honor His word. God's faithfulness is the foundation of our trust in Him. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and His promises are always true. This unchanging nature of God gives us the confidence to step out in faith and trust that He will provide for our needs.
When we give, we are not just giving out of our own resources but trusting in God's provision. This trust is based on the understanding that God is faithful and will fulfill His promises. By recognizing God's faithfulness, we can give with a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that He will take care of us. This trust in God's faithfulness is what allows us to give generously and sacrificially. [06:33]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: How has God's faithfulness in the past encouraged you to trust Him with your giving today?
Day 3: The Joy of Giving
Giving is not just a duty but a joy. It brings blessings and abundance in every aspect of life. When we give with a pure heart and right motives, God enriches our lives in ways we cannot imagine. This principle of joyful giving should be instilled in our children and future generations. The act of giving is a reflection of God's generosity towards us. When we give, we are participating in God's work and experiencing the joy that comes from being a blessing to others.
The joy of giving is not just about the act itself but the impact it has on our lives and the lives of others. When we give, we are sowing seeds of generosity that will bear fruit in our lives and the lives of those we bless. This joy is something that should be passed down to future generations, teaching them the value and blessings of giving. By instilling this principle in our children, we are ensuring that the legacy of generosity continues. [09:04]
Acts 20:35 (ESV): "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
Reflection: How can you cultivate a joyful heart in your giving this week?
Day 4: Sacrificial Giving
True giving often involves sacrifice. It's not about the amount but the heart behind it. The story of the widow's mite illustrates that God values the heart and sacrifice more than the monetary value. Sacrificial giving brings God's favor and blessings. When we give sacrificially, we are demonstrating our trust in God's provision and our willingness to put others' needs above our own. This type of giving is a powerful expression of faith and love.
Sacrificial giving is not about the size of the gift but the willingness to give out of our need rather than our abundance. It is an act of worship that honors God and reflects His sacrificial love for us. By giving sacrificially, we are aligning our hearts with God's heart and participating in His work in a meaningful way. This type of giving brings blessings not only to those who receive but also to the giver, as it deepens our relationship with God and strengthens our faith. [03:01]
Mark 12:43-44 (ESV): "And he called his disciples to him and said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can practice sacrificial giving this week?
Day 5: God's Provision
God always provides for His work. Whether it's raising funds for a building or supporting missionaries, God supplies all our needs. Our role is to be faithful stewards, trusting that God will provide the resources required to fulfill His purposes. God's provision is a testament to His faithfulness and love for us. When we step out in faith and trust in His provision, we are participating in His work and experiencing His blessings in our lives.
God's provision is not just about meeting our needs but also about equipping us to fulfill His purposes. When we trust in God's provision, we are acknowledging that everything we have comes from Him and that He is able to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. This trust allows us to give generously and confidently, knowing that God will provide for us as we seek to fulfill His will. [45:01]
Philippians 4:19 (ESV): "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: How can you trust God more fully with your resources and needs this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You don't have to give anything on that app. You can just put your amount. You can take one of those envelopes and you can write whatever you think. Now this is like over the next year. This is not like tonight. Say I want to give over the next year. I want to give X number of dollars over a year. Fine. Just write it down. I don't want to give anything. Fine. don't care. God supplies the needs. And if you won't do it He'll get somebody else to do it. I've just decided God if you're going to use anybody use me. Because I want to be in the middle of whatever God's doing." [01:02:07]
2. "God's greatest attribute is I'm God and I change not. I'm the same yesterday, today, and forever. When God says he's going to do something, mark it down. It's done. Amen. His word, when he speaks it, it's settled. And so if the Lord impresses in your heart and says, you know, give X dollars. I went up to my wife in the prayer room. I said, I feel peace about this. And she said something like, well, is that a, is that a word from the Lord? And I said, no, it's peace. I said, no, I don't feel like God spoke anything to him, but I got peace about it." [06:33]
3. "You can't out give God. Now, some of you have anybody ever thought man I gave it and I and I'm and I've suffered financially. Well, I've done that and I'll tell you what I honestly felt like was going on God was teaching me some things that are more tasteful to my brother seen two or three times and so far and it's interesting. You know, these people one of them認止えった and no he wasn't only a taиеcful person he was a confident person what flipped that units of different ways that he's always faithful." [05:09]
4. "God supplies it all anyway. It's all the Lord's and I know you understand that. I believe but this we never want to lose this faith. And for those of you that have come in this church in the last several years you need to understand that that's how this thing was all built. That's where this all came from. And given I was a new convert and Nathaniel Urshin was preaching and he started preaching on how that they sold everything in the book of Acts. They brought it all and they laid it at the apostles feet. And he said could you do that? Could you sell everything you got? And bring it up here and lay it on this platform?" [59:15]
5. "God's faithful. He'll supply all of your needs. What's this scripture say? According to his riches in glory. Amen. And God supplies. God supplies. God supplies. From the littlest thing to the biggest thing. Ron, we were in this building. We were getting this building ready. They were in it. They're having church in it. We're in our old building. We're getting it ready. I, you know, you got these things called cost overrun. Any of you here have built anything to understand that how that goes? Well, we had got quotes and everything and it was going to cost a hundred grand is what the quotes were. It ended up being like a hundred and a hundred. I needed forty, like forty five thousand dollars or something like that that week. I had contractors to pay. We didn't have it. Folks, listen. I'm walking on water." [49:19]
### Quotes for Members
1. "This is what we call a faith promise service and we're going to we're going to actually just after Brother Clevenger is going to minister to us and we're going to make a commitment over the next year to give something to missions. A pledge, something you might feel in your heart and sometimes the Lord will speak to you, sometimes he won't and and but you can feel like peace about something like you know don't really feel like the Lord's impressed but I feel peace. This is what I want to do. I feel comfortable doing this and that's fine. You just you do what you feel you know and I'm going to be very candid. If you don't feel like doing anything don't do anything. Everybody hear me? And I'm going to give you I'm going to give you an out. It's not sin. Okay so get that out of your head. It's just this is a faith promise service like I feel this. I really feel like I want to do this and maybe that might be a stretch for you. Oh Lord you know what you might feel something like oh my there's no way I can do that. Well that's where the faith promise comes in and that is God if you give it I'll give it." [01:31]
2. "You can't out give God. Now, some of you have anybody ever thought man I gave it and I and I'm and I've suffered financially. Well, I've done that and I'll tell you what I honestly felt like was going on God was teaching me some things that are more tasteful to my brother seen two or three times and so far and it's interesting. You know, these people one of them認止えった and no he wasn't only a taиеcful person he was a confident person what flipped that units of different ways that he's always faithful." [05:09]
3. "God's greatest attribute is I'm God and I change not. I'm the same yesterday, today, and forever. When God says he's going to do something, mark it down. It's done. Amen. His word, when he speaks it, it's settled. And so if the Lord impresses in your heart and says, you know, give X dollars. I went up to my wife in the prayer room. I said, I feel peace about this. And she said something like, well, is that a, is that a word from the Lord? And I said, no, it's peace. I said, no, I don't feel like God spoke anything to him, but I got peace about it." [06:33]
4. "I remember he, why did we have 600 grand? I'm going to tell you why. Because if Brother Monks had the gift of giving and he'd get up and he'd talk about it and what we got to do and we need a building and people would start pledging and giving. And here's what I learned. Everybody got blessed more for their giving. And when we gave, we got blessed. And the church grew numerically, financially, spiritually in every way. The church prospered. then we got in a situation where we had so much we didn't need to give. And I felt this. Oh no. No. The blessing of the Lord comes from giving. It makes no difference. We're going to create a need. Because for our own benefit we must give." [55:03]
5. "We must give. To continue what God has done to help it flow to the next generation we must give. I don't want my grandkids all he saw was home mission, struggling and digging it out and raising it up and God doing this miracle and that miracle and growing the church. I don't want my grandkids thinking, oh this is all it's about. Plenty. I want them to sacrificially give. Give. And learn how God will supply your need. In every way. Amen. Amen." [55:33]
6. "God supplies it all anyway. It's all the Lord's and I know you understand that. I believe but this we never want to lose this faith. And for those of you that have come in this church in the last several years you need to understand that that's how this thing was all built. That's where this all came from. And given I was a new convert and Nathaniel Urshin was preaching and he started preaching on how that they sold everything in the book of Acts. They brought it all and they laid it at the apostles feet. And he said could you do that? Could you sell everything you got? And bring it up here and lay it on this platform?" [59:15]
7. "God's faithful. He'll supply all of your needs. What's this scripture say? According to his riches in glory. Amen. And God supplies. God supplies. God supplies. From the littlest thing to the biggest thing. Ron, we were in this building. We were getting this building ready. They were in it. They're having church in it. We're in our old building. We're getting it ready. I, you know, you got these things called cost overrun. Any of you here have built anything to understand that how that goes? Well, we had got quotes and everything and it was going to cost a hundred grand is what the quotes were. It ended up being like a hundred and a hundred. I needed forty, like forty five thousand dollars or something like that that week. I had contractors to pay. We didn't have it. Folks, listen. I'm walking on water." [49:19]
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