This is an example (the video above) of the opposite of radical generosity driven by grace. This is an example of religion which says, "I obey, therefore I will be accepted." The Gospel says, "I am accepted, therefore I obey."
This is the song we sang for the prelude (video above). It is by M. Ward from his Post-War album. The song is about keeping his promise because the person to whom he is singing (I suspect it is God) kept His promises first. It is a beautiful example of Gospel obedience. Obedience is done out of a thankful heart, not in order to earn any sort of favor.
Worship Order
Themes: Paul's encouragement to give, the benefits of giving, responding in gratitude
Call To Worship: II Corinthians 8:9 LEADER: For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, ALL: so that you through his poverty might become rich.
Song Pool: How Great Is Our God, Indescribable, Your Grace Is Enough, King of Glory Solid Rock, Wonderful Merciful Savior, I Will Worship, Our Great God, Blessed Be Your Name
Communion: Grace Centre - Every Saturday night and the last Sunday of every other month
Close: II Corinthians 9:7c-8 LEADER: for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that ALL: in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Expanding Worship
Series Intro
Background on Series: Introduction, context, maps, resources, articles
Questions
1. What was your initial response when you heard that the sermon topic today was "giving"?
2. One of Grace's values is "Grateful" ("God’s extravagant and passionate love moves us to worship Him and share His goodness with each other and beyond the boundaries of our church.") How has God expressed his extravagant and passionate love for you?
3. What are the improper motivations for giving? What are the proper motivations?
4. How have churches and their leaders contributed to your distrust or your hesitation to give? What are the responsibilities of church leaders for the gifts they receive?
5. How is giving (time, money, resources) an act of worship, an act of trust in the God who is our provider?
“It is possible to give without loving, but it is impossible to love without giving.” —Richard Braunstein, author
“Examples are few of men ruined by giving.” — Christian Bovée
"The solution to stinginess is a reorientation to the generosity of Christ in the gospel, where he poured out his wealth for you." - The Prodigal God by Tim Keller
The Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetes (130 AD):
“They have a common table, but not a common bed.[3] They are in the flesh, but they do not live after the flesh.[4] They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven.[5] They obey the prescribed laws, and at the same time surpass the laws by their lives. They love all men, and are persecuted by all. They are unknown and condemned; they are put to death, and restored to life.[6] They are poor, yet make many rich;[7] they are in lack of all things, and yet abound in all. They are evil spoken of, and yet are justified; they are reviled, and bless;[8] they are insulted, and repay the insult with honour; they do good, yet are punished as evil-doers. When punished, they rejoice as if quickened into life; yet those who hate them are unable to assign any reason for their hatred. “
Spend some time making a list of all the things, people, experiences and circumstances that God has blessed you with. If you have family, do this together and then spend some time in prayers of Thanksgiving.
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