OPENING PRAYER
Dear Lord,
We come to you today with open hearts, seeking your guidance and wisdom. As we strive to imitate you, we understand the importance of generosity. Your teachings remind us that it is better to give than to receive, and we want to embody this truth in our lives. We ask for your help in transforming our hearts and minds so that we may be more generous individuals.
Please help us to see the needs of those around us and respond with love and generosity. Teach us to be selfless and prioritize the needs of others over our own. Guide us in being responsible stewards of our resources, using them to bless and uplift others.
Lord, we know that genuine generosity comes from a grateful heart. Help us always remember the abundance of blessings you have bestowed upon us and to share them with others freely. May our generosity reflect your love and grace in our lives. May it shine as a light, drawing others to you and testifying to your goodness and provision.
Guide our actions and decisions, aligning them with your will for our lives. Help us to follow the example of your son, Jesus, who selflessly gave his life for us – the greatest act of generosity. We pray for strength and courage to be generous, even when it is difficult or requires sacrifice.
Lord, continue to mold and shape us into the generous people you have called us to be. May our love for you overflow into love for others, and may our generosity bring glory to your name. We offer this prayer in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
SERMON
QUESTION: How can
POINT: Understand that there is power in “
POINT: Christ
Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV
So you should be imitators of God, like dear children. Conduct yourselves in love, just as the Messiah loved us and gave himself for us, as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God.
Matthew 5:48, The Message – In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now, live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others the way God lives toward you.
POINT: Our (in)ability to let go of material possessions will
POINT: Generosity is a
Acts 4:32-35 NIV
Now, the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power, the apostles testified to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as needed.
POINT: