Centennial Park Baptist Church – Sunday May 2nd, 2010

Centennial Park Baptist Church – Sunday May 2^nd, 2010 – 10:30 am

THE GRACE OF GIVING

Luke 20: 45 à 21:4

⁴⁵And while all the people were listening, He said to the disciples, ⁴⁶"Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, ⁴⁷who devour widows' houses, and for appearance's sake offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation." ¹And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. ²And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. ³And He said, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; ⁴for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on."

What do we “owe” God? Diligence

Development of Godly Character

Devotion to our Family

His DUE - Tithes and Offerings

What do we learn from this nameless widow about giving to God?

1. Principle # 1 – The widow gave in spite of CIRCUMSTANCES

2. Principle # 2 – The widow gave ENTHUSIASTICALLY

It is possible to give generously, but not give enthusiastically

- Giving was of GRACE, not pressure

- The grace of God will open your heart and your HAND

3. Principle # 3 – The widow gave as JESUS gave.

4. Principle # 4 – The widow gave by FAITH

5. Principle # 5 – The widow gave with a desire to HONOR God

The Blessings of Sacrificial Stewardship

Blessing # 1 – Your giving will ENCOURAGE others to give

Blessing # 2 – Your giving will be a BLESSING to you

- We reap in measure as we sow – II Corinthians 9:6

- We reap as we sow with right motives. – II Corinthians 9:7

Blessing # 3 – Your giving will MEET needs

Blessing # 4 – Your giving will GLORIFY God

The __________________________________ Family

We are a Christian family who:

1. Unconditionally loves, supports, nurtures and forgives each other.

2. Demonstrates fiscal responsibility, including giving our time, talents and treasure to the Lord.

3. Models faith in Christ through what we think, say and do.

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