Generous - New Life Community Church of Carlisle, PA

The House - Part 5
Pastor Ryan Brown

Statement #1: An authentic Christ-centered community is a GENEROUS community.

Generosity is defined as the act of giving or sharing more than is necessary or expected. Steve Chalke

Statement #2: HEALTHY families are seedbeds of generosity.

A bed of soil cultivated for planting seeds/ ground prepared for growing seeds
An area or source of growth or gradual manifestation

5 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 under pressure. 6 Remember this - a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “Godly people give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will never be forgotten.” 10 For God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will give you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will break out in thanksgiving to God. 12 So two good things will happen - the needs of the Christians in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanksgiving to God. 13 You will be glorifying God through your generous gifts. For your generosity to them will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the wonderful grace of God shown through you. 15 Thank God for his Son’a gift too wonderful for words! 2 Corinthians 9:5-15 (NLT)

Paul’s teaching…

Don’t give… SPARINGLY, RELUCTANTLY, or UNDER PRESSURE.

Give… WILLINGLY, GENEROUSLY, and CHEERFULLY.

Two Kinds of Hearts