Grace Community Church March 15, 2009 A Steward’s Giving 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 A Living Sacrifice A Living Sacrifice

A Living Sacrifice Steward’s Mentality – Romans 12:1-5 Steward’s Mentality – Romans 12:1-5 Steward’s Talents – Romans 12:3-8 Steward’s Talents – Romans 12:3-8 Steward’s Treasure – Luke 12:13-34 Steward’s Treasure – Luke 12:13-34  Steward’s Giving – 2 Corinthians 8  Steward’s Harvest - 2 Corinthians 9

2 Corinthians 8:1-2 1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.

Times are Hard DJIA down 50% since October 2007.DJIA down 50% since October % families significantly impacted by economy.68% families significantly impacted by economy. 28% adults lost at least 20% of retirement.28% adults lost at least 20% of retirement. 8.1% unemployment nationally.8.1% unemployment nationally. 4.4% unemployment in Iowa.4.4% unemployment in Iowa. How should a follower of Christ view giving in tough times?

2 Corinthians 8:1-5 1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

10% evangelicals give nothing.10% evangelicals give nothing. 36% evangelicals give less than 2% of their income.36% evangelicals give less than 2% of their income. 27% evangelicals give 10% of their income or more.27% evangelicals give 10% of their income or more. Average Evangelical gave $1348 per person in 2006.Average Evangelical gave $1348 per person in During the Great Depression when Americans earned less, they gave more.During the Great Depression when Americans earned less, they gave more. After the depression as income increased they gave less.After the depression as income increased they gave less. 43% families spend more than they earn each year.43% families spend more than they earn each year. $18,654 consumer debt per household, not including mortgage.$18,654 consumer debt per household, not including mortgage. American Christians

Here at Grace 83% of those not satisfied with their giving said they are living paycheck to paycheck.83% of those not satisfied with their giving said they are living paycheck to paycheck. Debt is a problem for many households.Debt is a problem for many households. Crown Financial Seminar – May 16

2 Corinthians 8:6-8 6 Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. 7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. 8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine.

Leviticus 27:30-32 First part belonged to the Lord…Leviticus 27:30-32 First part belonged to the Lord… Deuteronomy 12:10-11 Fund religious festivals…Deuteronomy 12:10-11 Fund religious festivals… Deuteronomy 14:28-29 Yearly tithe for the poor…Deuteronomy 14:28-29 Yearly tithe for the poor… All total – required tithing added up to 23%-25%.All total – required tithing added up to 23%-25%. Freewill offerings were in addition to tithes…Freewill offerings were in addition to tithes… Is the tithe mandatory today? What about the Tithe?

Romans 7:4-6Romans 7:4-6 Galatians 5:13-18Galatians 5:13-18 Tithe is neither commanded nor forbidden in New Testament.Tithe is neither commanded nor forbidden in New Testament. We are not under the law.

2 Corinthians 8: 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 by his poverty might become rich. 10 And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it.