Say YES! The Power of Generosity

First UMC - Gainesville, FL

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Say YES! The Power of Generosity

Generosity is Radical

November 3, 2024 • Pastor Beth Snarr • Acts 2:42–47

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Verses 46-47 of Acts 2 says “They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity- all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” The earliest communities of Jesus followers were radical because they refused to live solely as individuals. Instead, they lived for the good of others as well. The concerns of one were the concern of all, the needs of one were the needs of all. And it was giving; it was generosity that made this possible. Generosity helped them live out Jesus’ command to care for one another, support one another, bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2). For disciples, generosity is more than an act; it’s a value and lifestyle. Generosity is a way of saying yes to others.

More from "Say YES! The Power of Generosity" Sermon Series

Say YES! The Power of Generosity

November 17, 2024 • Pastor Beth Snarr • 2 Corinthians 9:5–12

When the world around you is constantly saying no, maybe it’s time to say yes. Open your heart to giving and see what saying yes will change in you and the world. In this Sermon Series, we explore how scripture speaks about generosity, including how followers of Jesus are to practice generosity. By practicing generosity, followers of Jesus learn what generosity is and what it does for us when we say, YES! Verse 5 of 2 Corinthians 9 says “So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly.” When Jesus talks about generosity, it isn’t something he wants from his followers but rather something he wants for them. Jesus knows that generosity leads to joy and a more fulfilled life. As the letter writer Paul puts it, “I want it to be a willing gift from you” because generosity is a choice for us make.

Say YES! The Power of Generosity

November 10, 2024 • Pastor Beth Snarr • Matthew 25:14–30

When the world around you is constantly saying no, maybe it’s time to say yes. Open your heart to giving and see what saying yes will change in you and the world. In this Sermon Series, we explore how scripture speaks about generosity, including how followers of Jesus are to practice generosity. By practicing generosity, followers of Jesus learn what generosity is and what it does for us when we say, YES! Verse 29 of Matthew 25 says “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.” Christ’s light shines through us so that our lives will make a positive difference in the world. This is a basic truth about who we are. But if we never use what God has given us to make an impact in our spheres of influence, then we’re not living as God calls us to live. This truth is illustrated quite literally in the story of the bags of gold (or talents). The master gives each person resources and comes back to see what they did with what they had. This week we will talk about what generosity does for us. Generosity allows us to say yes to making a difference with all that we have been given.