Grace of Giving: Embracing God's Global Mission
Summary
The sermon discusses the essentials of the Christian faith, focusing on God's global plan and the grace of giving. The speaker begins by sharing a personal anecdote about a time when they had laryngitis, leading to their wife preaching in their place. They then introduce the series "This I Believe," culminating in a discussion on God's Global plan, and invite the congregation to recite the Apostles Creed. The text for the day is from 2 Corinthians chapter 8, which speaks about the grace given to the Macedonian churches.
The speaker emphasizes the two greatest commandments in Christianity: loving God with all one's heart and loving one's neighbor as oneself. They assert that these commandments are central to finding God's will and purpose for one's life. The global plan of God is to bless all nations with the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which offers forgiveness and reconciliation with God, setting Christianity apart from other religions that focus on personal performance and rule-following.
The concept of faith promise is introduced, a program used to fund Great Commission initiatives at Union Chapel. The church has two funds: a general fund for local programming and a faith promise fund for outreach and church planting. The speaker also addresses the criticism that Christians can appear unhappy and joyless, expressing a desire to be among those who live with excitement, adventure, and hope.
The speaker shares a personal experience with Jesus, who questioned why they were neglecting their friendship. They admit to being angry with God due to their wife's health journey. The sermon also discusses the concept of overflowing joy and extreme poverty, where the Macedonian people gave generously beyond their ability, and the importance of excelling in the grace of giving.
The speaker recounts the story of acquiring their current property, a former car dealership owned by Ted Clark, which was in a dilapidated state. Despite the initial reluctance, they felt God's prompting to buy the property and made an offer that was accepted. They also share the story of renovating a building and the impact it had on Ted, who believed the transformation was the answer to his sisters' prayers.
The speaker discusses their support for the mission agency Interlink, which carries out initiatives in Central Asia, and the importance of having a personal relationship with the missionaries they support. They also mention their involvement in local and regional church plants and the impact of various missionaries they support.
The speaker shares their experience of challenging traditional ways in their church, such as implementing tithing and becoming a self-sustaining church. They emphasize the importance of living with open hands to receive from God and the necessity of walking by faith.
The sermon concludes by discussing the challenges faced by those preaching the gospel in North Africa and the success of a leadership developer and church planter in that region. The speaker also talks about the concept of cross-pollination and the unusual grace of God that can manifest in unexpected ways.
Key Takeaways:
- The Christian faith is centered on the love of God and neighbor, which aligns believers with God's will and purpose. This love is the driving force behind the global mission to share the Gospel, offering hope and reconciliation to all nations. The unique aspect of Christianity is the emphasis on grace rather than personal merit, which is exemplified in the story of the Macedonian churches' generous giving despite their poverty.
- Faith promise giving is a tangible expression of trust in God's provision. It involves committing to give to God's work, even when personal resources are insufficient, trusting that God will provide the means to fulfill the promise. This practice encourages believers to live adventurously and joyfully, relying on faith to please God and contribute to the Great Commission.
- Personal experiences and relationships with Jesus are crucial for a vibrant Christian life. The speaker's candid admission of anger towards God and the subsequent conversation with Jesus highlights the importance of engaging with God authentically. This relationship transforms religious practices into a dynamic, ongoing dialogue with the divine.
- The acquisition and renovation of the church property serve as a testament to God's provision and the power of faith. The speaker's story of making an "insulting" offer and the subsequent transformation of the property illustrates how God can work through seemingly impossible situations to advance His kingdom.
- The global impact of the church's mission work, including support for missionaries and church plants, demonstrates the far-reaching effects of faithful giving and strategic partnerships. The stories of church growth, both locally and internationally, inspire believers to invest in the spread of the Gospel and support those who face persecution for their faith.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 (NIV)
> "And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving."
2. Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)
> "Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’"
3. Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
> "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the circumstances of the Macedonian churches when they gave generously? (2 Corinthians 8:2)
2. According to the sermon, what are the two greatest commandments in Christianity? ([32:26])
3. How did the speaker describe their personal experience with Jesus regarding their friendship? ([38:53])
4. What was the speaker's reaction when they felt God's prompting to buy the dilapidated car dealership property? ([58:39])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the example of the Macedonian churches challenge our understanding of generosity and giving? (2 Corinthians 8:1-7)
2. In what ways do the two greatest commandments help align believers with God's will and purpose for their lives? ([33:42])
3. What does the speaker's candid admission of anger towards God reveal about the nature of an authentic relationship with Jesus? ([40:52])
4. How does the story of acquiring and renovating the church property illustrate the concept of faith and God's provision? ([59:15])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt uncertain about God's will for your life. How can focusing on the two greatest commandments help you find direction? ([33:42])
2. The speaker mentioned the importance of living with excitement, adventure, and hope. What steps can you take to cultivate a more joyful and adventurous faith? ([44:16])
3. Consider the concept of faith promise giving. How can you trust God to provide the means to fulfill a financial commitment to His work, even when your resources seem insufficient? ([46:10])
4. The speaker shared a personal experience of feeling angry with God. Have you ever felt similarly? How can you engage with God authentically during such times? ([40:52])
5. The story of the church property acquisition involved making an "insulting" offer that was accepted. Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt prompted to take a bold step of faith? What was the outcome? ([59:15])
6. The speaker emphasized the importance of supporting missionaries and church plants. How can you personally get involved in supporting global mission work? ([01:15:49])
7. Reflect on the idea of living with open hands to receive from God. What practical steps can you take to live more generously and trust in God's provision? ([51:06])
Devotional
Day 1: Love as the Foundation of Faith
Love for God and neighbor is not just a command; it is the essence of Christian faith, shaping our purpose and driving the mission to spread the Gospel. This love is not passive but active, compelling us to reach out to all nations with the message of hope and reconciliation found in Jesus Christ. It is this love that sets us apart, focusing on grace rather than personal merit. [07:40]
1 John 4:19-21 - "We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate love to someone who is difficult to love in your life today, as a reflection of God's love for you?
Day 2: The Adventure of Faith Promise Giving
Faith promise giving is an adventure in trust and expectation, where believers commit to God's work beyond their apparent means. It is a step of faith, trusting that God will provide and an act of worship, expressing confidence in His faithfulness. This commitment to give, even in uncertainty, reflects a life lived with joy and purpose, knowing that God is the ultimate provider. [14:25]
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 - "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
Reflection: What is one way you can step out in faith with your giving this week, trusting God to provide for both your needs and the needs of others?
Day 3: Authentic Engagement with the Divine
An authentic relationship with Jesus is essential for a vibrant faith. It involves honest conversations, including expressing doubts and frustrations. This relationship is not about religious rituals but a dynamic, ongoing dialogue with God, where we are transformed and renewed. It is in this space of authenticity that we experience the fullness of God's grace and presence. [21:10]
Psalm 62:8 - "Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."
Reflection: When was the last time you were completely honest with God about your feelings? Can you take time today to have an authentic conversation with Him?
Day 4: Faith in Action Through Property Stewardship
The story of acquiring and renovating church property is a testament to faith in action. It demonstrates that when God prompts, even the most unlikely situations can be transformed for His glory. This act of faith not only impacts the physical space but also the lives of those who witness God's provision and power. It is a reminder that God's kingdom advances through our willingness to take bold steps of faith. [28:35]
Ephesians 3:20-21 - "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where God is prompting you to step out in faith? How can you respond to His call today?
Day 5: Global Impact Through Strategic Mission Partnerships
Supporting missionaries and church plants is not just a financial transaction; it is a strategic partnership that extends the reach of the Gospel. Through faithful giving and collaboration, the church can have a global impact, supporting those who risk persecution for their faith and investing in the growth of the church worldwide. These partnerships are a reflection of the church's commitment to the Great Commission and the power of unity in Christ. [35:50]
3 John 1:7-8 - "It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth."
Reflection: How can you personally support a missionary or church plant this week, either through prayer, giving, or encouragement?
Quotes
"When people ask me now how's your prayer life, I say, I really don't have what you would describe as a classic prayer life. I have a friend, his name is Jesus, and I talk to him all the time." [41:36] (Download)
"My invitation is to engage in a relationship with Jesus, love him, don't just be like in his religion. That's nothing, it goes nowhere. This is why Christians get accused of being dull and sad and angry." [42:59] (Download)
"Faith promises an opportunity for God's grace to intervene and to supply your need beyond your ability. By faith, I will trust you to provide it and when you provide it to me, I promise I'll give it." [01:07:29] (Download)
"Through faith promise, we support not just our own church's needs but also the broader mission, including new church plants and local agencies. It's about extending our reach and impact beyond our walls." [01:09:19] (Download)
"God's Global plan is that he wants to bless all of the nations of the world with the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is the gospel, this is the way to peace with God, this is how we interact with God, this is the Christian message." [35:39] (Download)
"Christianity is unique and distinctive for this reason: the subject of Grace. Grace is the unearned, undeserved favor of God... it is the gift of God not the result of Works lest any man should boast." [36:16] (Download)
"Thank God for his grace—Amazing Grace, accepting Grace, merciful Grace—that has extended to us his love and so we return that love by loving him with all of our heart." [36:56] (Download)
"If we think about the great commandment as a love story and an intimacy with God, and we think about the Great Commission as a great adventure and a fun-filled, faith-filled, risk-taking life, that has about it this adventure and sense of wonder." [44:16] (Download)
"We have people who are sad and joyless and boring, and we have other Christians who seem to be fun and excited and filled with adventure and hope. I want to be among that company; that's the way I want to live." [44:16] (Download)
"Their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able and even beyond their ability, entirely on their own." [31:11] (Download)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Nov 20, 2023. Do you have any questions about it?