Lavish
Lavish - November 21/22
November 22, 2020 • James Paton
There’s a perception that the church is always after your money ... That if you don’t drop something in the offering plate or donation box, you’re seen as less than. Or worse, that religious leaders are just looking to pad their pockets. What’s the deal with money and church? Does the Bible say how much we’re supposed to give? Why we should give? Matthew 6:33 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Lavish - November 14/15
November 15, 2020 • James Paton
We all know people we would describe as generous by nature ... People whose generosity makes them give. But what if we’ve got that backwards? What if choosing to give makes them generous people? Actually shapes who they are? Who would we all be 10 years from now if we chose to give generously? Who would we be if we didn’t? 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you[a]—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
Lavish - November 7/8
November 8, 2020 • Les Bon-Bernard
Whether we have a little or a lot is often a matter of comparison. And it’s easy to assume we don’t have enough to make us responsible for making a difference for others — or that we’ve worked hard enough to earn the right to enjoy the fruits of our labours. What’s in your hand? Where did it come from? What good could it do if you chose to be generous? Ephesians 4:28 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
Lavish - October 31/November 1
November 1, 2020 • Grant Sylvester
Whether we possess a lot or a little, we can all at times feel like “enough” is just out of our grasp ... Like contentment is elusive ... Like ambition and striving will eventually get us there, if we just persist. What would it take? What do we need to possess or accomplish or understand to be content? Philippians 4:10-13 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.