Mike Novotny - Money: Generosity Changes Lives

July 7, 2025 | 29:0

Time of Grace teaches tough topics in an approachable and relatable way, making the Bible clear and understandable for those who need encouragement in their walks of faith and for those who don’t yet know Jesus at all.

#Money #Generosity #Finances #Stewardship #Faithfulness #Obedience

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Time Of Grace With Mike Novotny | Mike Novotny - Money: Generosity Changes Lives | July 7, 2025

♪ ♪
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>> back in 2003,
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Kim and i got married,
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Kim and i got married, and we had three things
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And we had three things in common.
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In common. we were both 22 years old,
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We were both 22 years old, we were both decently in love
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We were both decently in love with each other,
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With each other, and we were both really,
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Really broke.
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Really broke. i'm not going to say that
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I'm not going to say that all of our dates
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All of our dates happened off the dollar menu,
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Happened off the dollar menu, but it was pretty close.
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But it was pretty close. i remember when
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I remember when supersizing was, kind of,
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Supersizing was, kind of, a special occasion for us.
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A special occasion for us. we just graduated
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We just graduated from college about three weeks
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From college about three weeks before our wedding day.
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Before our wedding day. i was off to grad school
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I was off to grad school working, i think,
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Working, i think, three part time jobs.
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Three part time jobs. i was cutting grass
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I was cutting grass for about $10 an hour,
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For about $10 an hour, i was driving a zamboni
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I was driving a zamboni at a local hockey rink,
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At a local hockey rink, and i was tutoring foremen
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And i was tutoring foremen from south america in spanish
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From south america in spanish in the hebrew language.
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In the hebrew language. the most interesting job
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The most interesting job i ever had.
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I ever had. kim got a job as,
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Kim got a job as, i think, a preschool
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I think, a preschool or kindergarten teacher
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Or kindergarten teacher at a local christian school.
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At a local christian school. it's not a six figure job,
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It's not a six figure job, in case you're new
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In case you're new to the teaching ministry.
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To the teaching ministry. we did not have much,
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We did not have much, but then her parents.
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But then her parents. kim's parents,
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Kim's parents, for our wedding day,
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For our wedding day, gave us an amazingly generous
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Gave us an amazingly generous financial gift.
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Financial gift. just cut us a check
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Just cut us a check out of the goodness
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Out of the goodness of their hearts.
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Of their hearts. and that gift,
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And that gift, as i think back
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As i think back all these years later,
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All these years later, was such a game changing
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Was such a game changing blessing to us.
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Blessing to us. it gave us some financial margin
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It gave us some financial margin as we started
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As we started our married life together.
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Our married life together. it helped us to avoid
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It helped us to avoid all of those, you know,
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All of those, you know, financial fights when finances
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Financial fights when finances are so tight.
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Are so tight. that gift wasn't the most
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That gift wasn't the most important gift her parents
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Important gift her parents gave us but it was
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Gave us but it was such a blessing to us
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Such a blessing to us as a young couple.
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As a young couple. a few years after
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A few years after that wedding day,
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That wedding day, we had our second daughter.
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We had our second daughter. brooklyn welcomed
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Brooklyn welcomed a little sister named maya,
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A little sister named maya, 15 months apart,
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15 months apart, that was not our plan.
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That was not our plan. but this time we both
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But this time we both had salaried jobs,
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Had salaried jobs, we had a little bit more money
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We had a little bit more money in the bank,
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In the bank, but we were running in the red
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But we were running in the red when it came to time.
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When it came to time. we were broke when it came
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We were broke when it came to time and energy
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To time and energy to invest in each other.
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To invest in each other. our marriage was not great.
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Our marriage was not great. i would say
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I would say it was barely good.
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It was barely good. but then my parents,
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But then my parents, my parents showed up.
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My parents showed up. and my parents didn't
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And my parents didn't write us a check,
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Write us a check, instead they gave us
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Instead they gave us an equally valuable gift.
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An equally valuable gift. they were so insanely
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They were so insanely generous with their time.
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Generous with their time. they helped changed diapers,
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They helped changed diapers, babysit the kids.
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Babysit the kids. they, like, can't actually
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They, like, can't actually sit and hear a whole sermon
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Sit and hear a whole sermon in church, as they took
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In church, as they took them out when
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Them out when the kids were crying.
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The kids were crying. my parents cooked for us,
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My parents cooked for us, cleaned for us,
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Cleaned for us, blessed us with their
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Blessed us with their incredible generosity.
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Incredible generosity. i'm not sure where
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I'm not sure where our marriage would have been
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Our marriage would have been if it wasn't for the open hearts
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If it wasn't for the open hearts and open hands
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And open hands of my mom and dad.
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Of my mom and dad. and a few years later,
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And a few years later, i had this idea
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I had this idea that i wanted to get
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That i wanted to get a continued degree in preaching
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A continued degree in preaching as a specialization.
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As a specialization. i loved preaching
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I loved preaching the word of god.
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The word of god. i wanted to get better
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I wanted to get better at it.
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At it. but i looked into programs
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But i looked into programs and found out, holy cow,
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And found out, holy cow, i cannot afford this
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I cannot afford this as a pastor.
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As a pastor. but i heard about this
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But i heard about this christian foundation
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Christian foundation that would sometimes support
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That would sometimes support different christian initiatives
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Different christian initiatives so i called them up
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So i called them up to try to apply,
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To try to apply, would they give me a grant
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Would they give me a grant and help fund my education.
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And help fund my education. and the guy i was talking
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And the guy i was talking to on the phone said,
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To on the phone said, "hey mike,
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"hey mike, i'm really super sorry,
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I'm really super sorry, but what we do isn't really
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But what we do isn't really for things like this,
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For things like this, but let me talk to my wife."
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But let me talk to my wife." and this man
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And this man who didn't even know me,
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Who didn't even know me, he talked to his wife,
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He talked to his wife, and to this day,
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And to this day, i don't get why they did it,
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I don't get why they did it, but they decided to fund half
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But they decided to fund half of my continued --
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Of my continued -- they literally wrote a check
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They literally wrote a check that paid for half
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That paid for half of my preaching degree
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Of my preaching degree to a total stranger like me.
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To a total stranger like me. and that changed my career,
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And that changed my career, changed my ministry.
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Changed my ministry. it's one of the reasons
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It's one of the reasons that i'm here today
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That i'm here today with you.
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With you. i think about my life,
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I think about my life, i think about my marriage,
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I think about my marriage, i think about my parenting,
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I think about my parenting, i think about my ministry,
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I think about my ministry, i think about the history
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I think about the history of this church,
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Of this church, and i come to this
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And i come to this really beautiful conclusion
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Really beautiful conclusion that i want you
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That i want you to write down today.
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To write down today. here it is,
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Here it is, that generous people
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That generous people change people's lives.
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Change people's lives. that when we look back
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That when we look back on our lives,
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On our lives, it is not those moments
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It is not those moments when we bought,
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When we bought, and purchased, and got.
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And purchased, and got. no, some of the most
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No, some of the most inspiring, beautiful moments
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Inspiring, beautiful moments of our stories happened
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Of our stories happened because of generous people.
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Because of generous people. generous people change
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Generous people change people's lives.
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People's lives. so, i have a really
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So, i have a really personal question
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Personal question for you today.
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For you today. in your life of faith,
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In your life of faith, has anyone ever, like,
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Has anyone ever, like, sat you down, grabbed a bible,
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Sat you down, grabbed a bible, looked you in the eye,
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Looked you in the eye, and called you to a life
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And called you to a life of extravagant generosity?
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Of extravagant generosity? we live in, kind of,
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We live in, kind of, a jacked up culture
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A jacked up culture when it comes to money.
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When it comes to money. we're really quiet.
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We're really quiet. we're really secretive.
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We're really secretive. and according to the data,
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And according to the data, not many people
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Not many people in this culture give.
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In this culture give. and if they give,
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And if they give, they tend to not give that much.
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They tend to not give that much. so, maybe this
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So, maybe this is an odd question.
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Is an odd question. has anyone ever sat you down,
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Has anyone ever sat you down, a pastor, a friend,
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A pastor, a friend, a mother or father,
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A mother or father, just grabbed an open bible,
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Just grabbed an open bible, looked you in the eye
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Looked you in the eye and called you
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And called you to the kind of life
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To the kind of life that will change
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That will change other people's lives?
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Other people's lives? you know, we live in a world
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You know, we live in a world where the ads
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Where the ads never seem to end.
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Never seem to end. where every time we scroll
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Where every time we scroll a thousand marketers scream,
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A thousand marketers scream, "buy this, get this,
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"buy this, get this, click on this,
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Click on this, your life will be better."
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Your life will be better." but -- so, i guess i'm asking
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But -- so, i guess i'm asking if anyone ever had
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If anyone ever had the humility, and love,
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The humility, and love, and faith to sit you down
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And faith to sit you down and say, "actually,
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And say, "actually, there's something much,
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There's something much, much better.
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Much better. something that five years
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Something that five years from now
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From now and fifty years from now,
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And fifty years from now, and a million years from now,
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And a million years from now, it will be a better
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It will be a better kind of blessing."
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Kind of blessing." has anyone ever taught you
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Has anyone ever taught you the christian teaching
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The christian teaching on generosity?
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On generosity? has anyone ever modeled it
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Has anyone ever modeled it for you,
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For you, gushed about the blessings
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Gushed about the blessings that it gives,
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That it gives, and then called you
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And then called you to this better kind of life?
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To this better kind of life? for some of you,
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For some of you, that conversation
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That conversation has never happened.
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Has never happened. and that's why i'm so excited
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And that's why i'm so excited to see so many of you here today
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To see so many of you here today and know that so many of you
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And know that so many of you are watching at home.
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Are watching at home. because that's exactly
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Because that's exactly what our heavenly father
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What our heavenly father wants to do for us today.
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Wants to do for us today. he gave us this book
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He gave us this book called the bible,
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Called the bible, and it was inspired for our good
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And it was inspired for our good to equip us for every
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To equip us for every good work in the most meaningful
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Good work in the most meaningful kind of life.
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Kind of life. and we live in world where
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And we live in world where we're supposed to focus
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We're supposed to focus on ourselves,
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On ourselves, and buy more stuff,
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And buy more stuff, cram our closets,
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Cram our closets, rent another storage unit.
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Rent another storage unit. but actually, god says,
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But actually, god says, "no, no, no, no.
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"no, no, no, no. there is a more beautiful way
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There is a more beautiful way to live,
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To live, and it's not instinctive.
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And it's not instinctive. i have to teach this
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I have to teach this to you."
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To you." that's exactly what
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That's exactly what god wants to do today.
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God wants to do today. so, today, i want to grab
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So, today, i want to grab a bible and i just
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A bible and i just want to answer really
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Want to answer really two fundamental questions
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Two fundamental questions for your life.
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For your life. number one, what would it
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Number one, what would it look like for you to be
00:06:15.498 --> 00:06:16.399
Look like for you to be an extravagantly
00:06:16.466 --> 00:06:17.099
An extravagantly generous person?
00:06:17.166 --> 00:06:19.802
Generous person? and number two,
00:06:19.869 --> 00:06:21.671
And number two, why would you do it?
00:06:21.737 --> 00:06:24.006
Why would you do it? like, what is it
00:06:24.073 --> 00:06:26.342
Like, what is it and why would you choose it?
00:06:26.409 --> 00:06:28.544
And why would you choose it? what would have to change
00:06:28.611 --> 00:06:29.145
What would have to change in your life for you to say,
00:06:29.212 --> 00:06:30.379
In your life for you to say, "yeah, i am a truly
00:06:30.446 --> 00:06:31.814
"yeah, i am a truly generous christian.
00:06:31.881 --> 00:06:33.850
Generous christian. someone who is going
00:06:33.916 --> 00:06:34.383
Someone who is going to change the lives
00:06:34.450 --> 00:06:34.984
To change the lives of other people?"
00:06:35.051 --> 00:06:35.918
Of other people?" and once we come up
00:06:35.985 --> 00:06:36.619
And once we come up with that answer, like,
00:06:36.686 --> 00:06:37.453
With that answer, like, why in a world
00:06:37.520 --> 00:06:38.287
Why in a world where you could buy more,
00:06:38.354 --> 00:06:39.589
Where you could buy more, save more, invest more,
00:06:39.655 --> 00:06:40.756
Save more, invest more, pay off more debt more quickly,
00:06:40.823 --> 00:06:42.191
Pay off more debt more quickly, why would you choose
00:06:42.258 --> 00:06:43.392
Why would you choose this path that the bible
00:06:43.459 --> 00:06:44.126
This path that the bible calls generosity?
00:06:44.193 --> 00:06:45.495
Calls generosity? those are the two big questions
00:06:45.561 --> 00:06:46.362
Those are the two big questions we're going to answer today.
00:06:46.429 --> 00:06:48.164
We're going to answer today. and we get to do it
00:06:48.231 --> 00:06:48.898
And we get to do it with a really rich
00:06:48.965 --> 00:06:49.599
With a really rich and amazing section of scripture
00:06:49.665 --> 00:06:51.734
From 1 timothy 6.
00:06:51.834 --> 00:06:54.537
From 1 timothy 6. "command those who are rich
00:06:54.604 --> 00:06:55.838
"command those who are rich in this present world
00:06:55.905 --> 00:06:56.973
In this present world not to be arrogant
00:06:57.039 --> 00:06:58.975
Not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth,
00:06:59.041 --> 00:07:00.243
Nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain,
00:07:00.309 --> 00:07:02.578
Which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in god,
00:07:02.645 --> 00:07:05.047
But to put their hope in god, who richly provides us
00:07:05.114 --> 00:07:06.082
Who richly provides us with everything
00:07:06.148 --> 00:07:07.049
With everything for our enjoyment.
00:07:07.116 --> 00:07:09.485
For our enjoyment. command them to do good,
00:07:09.552 --> 00:07:11.787
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,
00:07:11.854 --> 00:07:13.322
To be rich in good deeds, and to be generous
00:07:13.389 --> 00:07:15.458
And to be generous and willing to share."
00:07:15.525 --> 00:07:18.694
I had a chance
00:07:18.794 --> 00:07:19.195
I had a chance to do some deep research
00:07:19.262 --> 00:07:20.062
To do some deep research on the concept of tithing
00:07:20.129 --> 00:07:21.197
On the concept of tithing in both the old
00:07:21.264 --> 00:07:21.964
In both the old and new testament.
00:07:22.031 --> 00:07:22.632
And new testament. here's what i discovered.
00:07:22.698 --> 00:07:24.667
Here's what i discovered. in the old testament,
00:07:24.734 --> 00:07:26.335
In the old testament, basically from the days
00:07:26.402 --> 00:07:27.036
Basically from the days of moses in 1500 bc
00:07:27.103 --> 00:07:29.138
Of moses in 1500 bc all the way up through jesus
00:07:29.205 --> 00:07:30.573
All the way up through jesus 2,000 years ago,
00:07:30.640 --> 00:07:31.941
2,000 years ago, all believers had to tithe
00:07:32.008 --> 00:07:36.879
All believers had to tithe twice and thrice
00:07:36.946 --> 00:07:40.416
Twice and thrice every third year.
00:07:40.483 --> 00:07:42.785
Every third year. did you know that?
00:07:42.852 --> 00:07:43.352
Did you know that? if you read the law of moses,
00:07:43.419 --> 00:07:45.788
If you read the law of moses, you had to give 10%
00:07:45.855 --> 00:07:46.856
You had to give 10% of your wealth to help
00:07:46.923 --> 00:07:48.858
Of your wealth to help the workers of the church,
00:07:48.925 --> 00:07:50.593
The workers of the church, people like me.
00:07:50.660 --> 00:07:51.794
People like me. you had to give a second 10%
00:07:51.861 --> 00:07:53.563
You had to give a second 10% to fund the big,
00:07:53.629 --> 00:07:54.530
To fund the big, religious festivals
00:07:54.597 --> 00:07:55.298
Religious festivals of the church
00:07:55.364 --> 00:07:55.798
Of the church like passover and pentecost.
00:07:55.865 --> 00:07:57.967
Like passover and pentecost. and then every third year,
00:07:58.034 --> 00:07:58.901
And then every third year, you had to give another 10%
00:07:58.968 --> 00:08:00.770
You had to give another 10% to take care of the poor
00:08:00.836 --> 00:08:01.604
To take care of the poor among the people of god.
00:08:01.671 --> 00:08:03.339
Among the people of god. right?
00:08:03.406 --> 00:08:03.573
Right? so, if you're moses
00:08:03.639 --> 00:08:04.106
So, if you're moses or king david,
00:08:04.173 --> 00:08:05.074
Or king david, you would have looked at
00:08:05.141 --> 00:08:06.008
You would have looked at what god have given to you
00:08:06.075 --> 00:08:06.842
What god have given to you and you would have been
00:08:06.909 --> 00:08:07.443
And you would have been commanded, required,
00:08:07.510 --> 00:08:08.778
Commanded, required, to give 20%, 20%, 30%,
00:08:08.844 --> 00:08:10.980
To give 20%, 20%, 30%, 20%, 20%, 30%,
00:08:11.047 --> 00:08:13.082
20%, 20%, 30%, 20%, 20%, 30%,
00:08:13.149 --> 00:08:14.417
20%, 20%, 30%, until you died.
00:08:14.483 --> 00:08:17.453
Until you died. in fact, one of the more
00:08:17.520 --> 00:08:18.187
In fact, one of the more famous passages on tithing
00:08:18.254 --> 00:08:19.288
Famous passages on tithing in the old testament
00:08:19.355 --> 00:08:19.889
In the old testament comes in malachi 3
00:08:19.956 --> 00:08:21.691
Comes in malachi 3 where god says to the people
00:08:21.757 --> 00:08:22.658
Where god says to the people of israel,
00:08:22.725 --> 00:08:23.259
Of israel, "y'all are robbing me."
00:08:23.326 --> 00:08:27.930
"y'all are robbing me." and the people say, "what?
00:08:27.997 --> 00:08:29.532
And the people say, "what? god, how are we robbing you?"
00:08:29.599 --> 00:08:32.735
God, how are we robbing you?" do you know what his answer was?
00:08:32.802 --> 00:08:35.438
Do you know what his answer was? "you're not bringing me
00:08:35.504 --> 00:08:36.005
"you're not bringing me the full tithe.
00:08:36.072 --> 00:08:39.008
The full tithe. bring it," god says,
00:08:39.075 --> 00:08:39.842
Bring it," god says, "and see if i don't throw open
00:08:39.909 --> 00:08:41.010
"and see if i don't throw open the flood gates of heaven
00:08:41.077 --> 00:08:41.944
The flood gates of heaven and give you so much,
00:08:42.011 --> 00:08:42.812
And give you so much, you won't even have places
00:08:42.878 --> 00:08:43.746
You won't even have places to store it or put it."
00:08:43.813 --> 00:08:46.549
To store it or put it." summary, if you had been
00:08:46.616 --> 00:08:47.149
Summary, if you had been an old testament
00:08:47.216 --> 00:08:48.751
An old testament follower of god,
00:08:48.818 --> 00:08:49.385
Follower of god, you would have given,
00:08:49.452 --> 00:08:49.885
You would have given, on average, 23.3333%
00:08:49.952 --> 00:08:52.555
On average, 23.3333% of your income per year.
00:08:52.622 --> 00:08:56.892
Of your income per year. okay, but what about
00:08:56.959 --> 00:08:57.393
Okay, but what about the new testament?
00:08:57.460 --> 00:08:59.829
The new testament? some of you know that
00:08:59.895 --> 00:09:00.563
Some of you know that we really get our moral code
00:09:00.630 --> 00:09:02.999
We really get our moral code from the new testament
00:09:03.065 --> 00:09:03.833
From the new testament passages.
00:09:03.899 --> 00:09:04.166
Passages. there's a lot of old testament
00:09:04.233 --> 00:09:05.201
There's a lot of old testament things we're not required
00:09:05.267 --> 00:09:06.135
Things we're not required to do anymore.
00:09:06.202 --> 00:09:06.736
To do anymore. so, what does the new testament
00:09:06.802 --> 00:09:07.837
So, what does the new testament say about tithing?
00:09:07.903 --> 00:09:11.374
Say about tithing? the answer is, not much.
00:09:11.440 --> 00:09:14.744
The answer is, not much. i looked up the words,
00:09:14.810 --> 00:09:15.711
I looked up the words, "tithe," and, "tenth,"
00:09:15.778 --> 00:09:17.980
"tithe," and, "tenth," and they only showed up
00:09:18.047 --> 00:09:18.714
And they only showed up nine total times
00:09:18.781 --> 00:09:19.749
Nine total times in the new testament.
00:09:19.815 --> 00:09:21.684
In the new testament. six of those times
00:09:21.751 --> 00:09:22.218
Six of those times are actually referring
00:09:22.284 --> 00:09:22.918
Are actually referring back to abraham
00:09:22.985 --> 00:09:23.786
Back to abraham in an old testament story
00:09:23.853 --> 00:09:24.854
In an old testament story which left only three
00:09:24.920 --> 00:09:25.688
Which left only three passages for us to consider.
00:09:25.755 --> 00:09:27.189
Passages for us to consider. one of those passages
00:09:27.256 --> 00:09:27.857
One of those passages was of an arrogant,
00:09:27.923 --> 00:09:29.158
Was of an arrogant, religious man who said,
00:09:29.225 --> 00:09:30.693
Religious man who said, "god, i thank you that
00:09:30.760 --> 00:09:31.594
"god, i thank you that i'm better than other people.
00:09:31.661 --> 00:09:33.529
I'm better than other people. i tithe.
00:09:33.596 --> 00:09:34.630
I tithe. i give a tenth of everything
00:09:34.697 --> 00:09:35.564
I give a tenth of everything that i get."
00:09:35.631 --> 00:09:37.800
That i get." and jesus said about that man...
00:09:37.867 --> 00:09:38.934
[blows raspberry]
00:09:39.568 --> 00:09:39.969
"nope.
00:09:40.803 --> 00:09:41.237
"nope. don't follow his example."
00:09:41.303 --> 00:09:42.238
Don't follow his example." so, that didn't really help us.
00:09:42.304 --> 00:09:44.106
So, that didn't really help us. so, the last two passages
00:09:44.173 --> 00:09:45.541
So, the last two passages in the new testament
00:09:45.608 --> 00:09:46.042
In the new testament are both from jesus speaking
00:09:46.108 --> 00:09:47.309
Are both from jesus speaking to very religious people.
00:09:47.376 --> 00:09:49.145
To very religious people. they were people who tithed,
00:09:49.211 --> 00:09:51.580
They were people who tithed, but their problem
00:09:51.647 --> 00:09:52.081
But their problem was that they neglected
00:09:52.148 --> 00:09:52.848
Was that they neglected some of the other commandments
00:09:52.915 --> 00:09:53.649
Some of the other commandments of god.
00:09:53.716 --> 00:09:55.818
Of god. jesus said, "y'all pick, like,
00:09:55.885 --> 00:09:57.586
Jesus said, "y'all pick, like, the herbs out of your garden
00:09:57.653 --> 00:09:58.821
The herbs out of your garden and give 10% of them
00:09:58.888 --> 00:09:59.989
And give 10% of them to the church
00:10:00.056 --> 00:10:00.690
To the church but you don't practice mercy.
00:10:00.756 --> 00:10:03.492
But you don't practice mercy. you don't care about
00:10:03.559 --> 00:10:03.993
You don't care about the concept of justice."
00:10:04.060 --> 00:10:05.428
The concept of justice." and jesus said,
00:10:05.494 --> 00:10:05.861
And jesus said, "you should have done this,
00:10:05.928 --> 00:10:06.962
"you should have done this, but not forgotten about that."
00:10:07.029 --> 00:10:11.901
But not forgotten about that." and that is all that
00:10:11.967 --> 00:10:14.036
And that is all that the new testament says
00:10:14.103 --> 00:10:14.737
The new testament says about tithing.
00:10:14.804 --> 00:10:18.174
About tithing. that's why christians,
00:10:18.240 --> 00:10:19.408
That's why christians, and churches, and denominations
00:10:19.475 --> 00:10:21.043
And churches, and denominations debate to this day.
00:10:21.110 --> 00:10:22.178
Debate to this day. does every follo --
00:10:22.244 --> 00:10:23.112
Does every follo -- is every follower of jesus
00:10:23.179 --> 00:10:24.113
Is every follower of jesus required to give the tithe?
00:10:24.180 --> 00:10:26.782
Required to give the tithe? does being generous mean
00:10:26.849 --> 00:10:27.349
Does being generous mean you have to give 10%,
00:10:27.416 --> 00:10:28.551
You have to give 10%, and if you're giving 9%,
00:10:28.617 --> 00:10:30.252
And if you're giving 9%, we should send the church elders
00:10:30.319 --> 00:10:31.153
We should send the church elders after you because
00:10:31.220 --> 00:10:31.887
After you because you're robbing god
00:10:31.954 --> 00:10:33.055
You're robbing god like malachi 3?
00:10:33.122 --> 00:10:37.560
Like malachi 3? well, to answer that question,
00:10:37.626 --> 00:10:38.561
Well, to answer that question, i'd like to invite
00:10:38.627 --> 00:10:39.128
I'd like to invite pastor timothy up on stage.
00:10:39.195 --> 00:10:41.030
Pastor timothy up on stage. no, sorry, i'm just...
00:10:41.097 --> 00:10:41.731
[laughing]
00:10:42.465 --> 00:10:42.631
Not going to get him
00:10:42.798 --> 00:10:43.332
Not going to get him in trouble.
00:10:43.399 --> 00:10:44.266
In trouble. i wish we had more time
00:10:44.333 --> 00:10:45.234
I wish we had more time to dig into the weeds.
00:10:45.301 --> 00:10:46.302
To dig into the weeds. this is a really good
00:10:46.368 --> 00:10:47.903
This is a really good biblical debate.
00:10:47.970 --> 00:10:48.604
Biblical debate. but i want you to know
00:10:48.671 --> 00:10:49.338
But i want you to know where our pastors
00:10:49.405 --> 00:10:49.972
Where our pastors and where our church has landed
00:10:50.039 --> 00:10:51.273
And where our church has landed theologically on this issue.
00:10:51.340 --> 00:10:53.409
Theologically on this issue. here it is.
00:10:53.476 --> 00:10:55.745
Here it is. we think that giving 10%
00:10:55.811 --> 00:10:57.613
We think that giving 10% is an amazing goal.
00:10:57.680 --> 00:11:00.049
Is an amazing goal. it's an amazing place
00:11:00.116 --> 00:11:00.549
It's an amazing place to start.
00:11:00.616 --> 00:11:01.450
To start. it's an amazing place
00:11:01.517 --> 00:11:01.984
It's an amazing place to get to,
00:11:02.051 --> 00:11:03.652
To get to, but it is not
00:11:03.719 --> 00:11:04.253
But it is not absolutely required
00:11:04.320 --> 00:11:06.155
Absolutely required by new testament theology.
00:11:06.222 --> 00:11:09.792
By new testament theology. we're grateful if you're able
00:11:09.859 --> 00:11:11.127
We're grateful if you're able to give 10%, or 13%, or 6%.
00:11:11.193 --> 00:11:14.730
To give 10%, or 13%, or 6%. we don't think
00:11:14.797 --> 00:11:15.731
We don't think that being just under
00:11:15.798 --> 00:11:16.499
That being just under the double digit number
00:11:16.565 --> 00:11:17.266
The double digit number of percentage makes you
00:11:17.333 --> 00:11:18.067
Of percentage makes you a greedy person
00:11:18.134 --> 00:11:19.902
A greedy person in the eyes of god.
00:11:19.969 --> 00:11:20.903
In the eyes of god. instead, we see
00:11:20.970 --> 00:11:21.403
Instead, we see the new testament teaching
00:11:21.470 --> 00:11:22.371
The new testament teaching being passages like this,
00:11:22.438 --> 00:11:24.406
Being passages like this, each person should give
00:11:24.473 --> 00:11:25.074
Each person should give what they have decided
00:11:25.141 --> 00:11:25.975
What they have decided in their heart to give,
00:11:26.041 --> 00:11:28.277
In their heart to give, not reluctantly
00:11:28.344 --> 00:11:28.844
Not reluctantly or under compulsion
00:11:28.911 --> 00:11:29.879
Or under compulsion for god loves a cheerful giver.
00:11:29.945 --> 00:11:34.884
For god loves a cheerful giver. i don't think i can biblically
00:11:34.950 --> 00:11:35.718
I don't think i can biblically command you to give
00:11:35.785 --> 00:11:37.820
Command you to give 10% of your income today.
00:11:37.887 --> 00:11:39.321
10% of your income today. instead, here's the very
00:11:39.388 --> 00:11:40.389
Instead, here's the very clear command i want you
00:11:40.456 --> 00:11:41.724
Clear command i want you to write down today.
00:11:41.791 --> 00:11:43.759
To write down today. christian generosity
00:11:43.826 --> 00:11:44.360
Christian generosity in new testament times
00:11:44.426 --> 00:11:45.094
In new testament times looks like this.
00:11:45.161 --> 00:11:47.363
Looks like this. repeatedly giving
00:11:47.429 --> 00:11:50.065
Repeatedly giving a significant percentage
00:11:50.132 --> 00:11:52.768
A significant percentage of what god
00:11:52.835 --> 00:11:53.435
Of what god has first given to you.
00:11:53.502 --> 00:11:57.873
Has first given to you. i don't know exactly
00:11:57.940 --> 00:11:58.474
I don't know exactly what that percentage is,
00:11:58.541 --> 00:11:59.408
What that percentage is, but i can speak
00:11:59.475 --> 00:11:59.942
But i can speak with biblical confidence
00:12:00.009 --> 00:12:00.876
With biblical confidence that if you want to be
00:12:00.943 --> 00:12:02.011
That if you want to be a generous person,
00:12:02.077 --> 00:12:02.678
A generous person, which god commands you to do,
00:12:02.745 --> 00:12:04.814
Which god commands you to do, you should repeatedly give
00:12:04.880 --> 00:12:05.915
You should repeatedly give a significant percentage
00:12:05.981 --> 00:12:07.683
A significant percentage of what god
00:12:07.750 --> 00:12:08.984
Of what god has first given to you.
00:12:09.051 --> 00:12:11.787
Has first given to you. so, if you've never done this
00:12:11.854 --> 00:12:12.621
So, if you've never done this before in your life,
00:12:12.688 --> 00:12:13.522
Before in your life, god wants you today to sit down,
00:12:13.589 --> 00:12:15.658
God wants you today to sit down, if you're single,
00:12:15.724 --> 00:12:16.458
If you're single, to sit down with your spouse
00:12:16.525 --> 00:12:17.293
To sit down with your spouse if you're married,
00:12:17.359 --> 00:12:18.060
If you're married, with your family,
00:12:18.127 --> 00:12:18.627
With your family, if you have one,
00:12:18.694 --> 00:12:20.129
If you have one, and pray and pick a significant
00:12:20.196 --> 00:12:22.665
And pray and pick a significant percentage to give.
00:12:22.731 --> 00:12:25.935
Percentage to give. it might be 10%,
00:12:26.001 --> 00:12:26.468
It might be 10%, that might be a great place
00:12:26.535 --> 00:12:27.403
That might be a great place for some of you to start.
00:12:27.469 --> 00:12:28.237
For some of you to start. it might be --
00:12:28.304 --> 00:12:29.004
It might be -- if you want to be super
00:12:29.071 --> 00:12:29.738
If you want to be super old testament about it,
00:12:29.805 --> 00:12:30.606
Old testament about it, can i challenge some of you
00:12:30.673 --> 00:12:31.407
Can i challenge some of you to give 23.33333%
00:12:31.473 --> 00:12:34.777
To give 23.33333% of your income to others?
00:12:34.844 --> 00:12:35.678
Of your income to others? break it up between
00:12:35.744 --> 00:12:36.312
Break it up between ministries and the poor
00:12:36.378 --> 00:12:37.213
Ministries and the poor like the old testament
00:12:37.279 --> 00:12:37.813
Like the old testament believers did.
00:12:37.880 --> 00:12:38.781
Believers did. you might start at 5%
00:12:38.848 --> 00:12:40.482
You might start at 5% or 7%.
00:12:40.549 --> 00:12:42.785
Or 7%. the bible says that
00:12:42.852 --> 00:12:43.285
The bible says that we should grow
00:12:43.352 --> 00:12:43.886
We should grow in the grace of giving.
00:12:43.953 --> 00:12:44.687
In the grace of giving. so, every year
00:12:44.753 --> 00:12:45.120
So, every year at the end of the year,
00:12:45.187 --> 00:12:45.921
At the end of the year, i try to up my giving by 1%
00:12:45.988 --> 00:12:48.090
I try to up my giving by 1% and just see what happens.
00:12:48.157 --> 00:12:49.892
And just see what happens. i'm not going to tell you,
00:12:49.959 --> 00:12:50.626
I'm not going to tell you, like, what that percentage
00:12:50.693 --> 00:12:51.660
Like, what that percentage should be, but i do know this,
00:12:51.727 --> 00:12:53.128
Should be, but i do know this, all of us as followers of jesus
00:12:53.195 --> 00:12:54.296
All of us as followers of jesus should sit down,
00:12:54.363 --> 00:12:55.731
Should sit down, meditate and pray about
00:12:55.798 --> 00:12:57.366
Meditate and pray about the amazing generosity of god
00:12:57.433 --> 00:12:58.901
The amazing generosity of god through his son, jesus christ,
00:12:58.968 --> 00:13:00.135
Through his son, jesus christ, and pick a significant
00:13:00.202 --> 00:13:01.937
And pick a significant percentage of that
00:13:02.004 --> 00:13:02.571
Percentage of that to give to other people.
00:13:02.638 --> 00:13:06.475
To give to other people. you're not going to hear me
00:13:06.542 --> 00:13:07.877
You're not going to hear me give a percentage
00:13:07.943 --> 00:13:08.711
Give a percentage or an amount.
00:13:08.777 --> 00:13:09.578
Or an amount. i want you to pray
00:13:09.645 --> 00:13:10.312
I want you to pray and pick that for yourself.
00:13:10.379 --> 00:13:11.280
And pick that for yourself. i'm not even going to tell you
00:13:11.347 --> 00:13:12.147
I'm not even going to tell you where to give if this isn't
00:13:12.214 --> 00:13:13.082
Where to give if this isn't your church home.
00:13:13.148 --> 00:13:14.350
Your church home. if you're watching at home
00:13:14.416 --> 00:13:15.384
If you're watching at home and time of grace is not,
00:13:15.451 --> 00:13:16.252
And time of grace is not, like, a regular part
00:13:16.318 --> 00:13:16.785
Like, a regular part of your spiritual life,
00:13:16.852 --> 00:13:17.853
Of your spiritual life, please don't feel obliged
00:13:17.920 --> 00:13:18.954
Please don't feel obliged to give to us.
00:13:19.021 --> 00:13:19.455
To give to us. but i am calling you,
00:13:19.521 --> 00:13:20.689
But i am calling you, in fact, with the word of god
00:13:20.756 --> 00:13:22.091
In fact, with the word of god i'm commanding you to become
00:13:22.157 --> 00:13:23.993
I'm commanding you to become a generous person.
00:13:24.059 --> 00:13:26.795
A generous person. god doesn't want you
00:13:26.862 --> 00:13:27.429
God doesn't want you to murder your neighbor.
00:13:27.496 --> 00:13:29.832
To murder your neighbor. he wants you
00:13:29.899 --> 00:13:30.199
He wants you to be generous.
00:13:30.266 --> 00:13:32.167
To be generous. all of his commandments
00:13:32.234 --> 00:13:32.868
All of his commandments are given for our good
00:13:32.935 --> 00:13:34.036
Are given for our good in the flourishing
00:13:34.103 --> 00:13:34.536
In the flourishing of his church.
00:13:34.603 --> 00:13:35.905
Of his church. so, if you're there,
00:13:35.971 --> 00:13:37.506
So, if you're there, praise god.
00:13:37.573 --> 00:13:38.073
Praise god. grow in the grace of giving.
00:13:38.140 --> 00:13:38.874
Grow in the grace of giving. if you're not,
00:13:38.941 --> 00:13:39.909
If you're not, let this be god's clear
00:13:39.975 --> 00:13:40.910
Let this be god's clear and kind command
00:13:40.976 --> 00:13:42.511
And kind command to call you to a better
00:13:42.578 --> 00:13:43.245
To call you to a better kind of life.
00:13:43.312 --> 00:13:45.114
Kind of life. a life where you prosper,
00:13:45.180 --> 00:13:47.049
A life where you prosper, a life where jesus said,
00:13:47.116 --> 00:13:47.650
A life where jesus said, "it is better to give
00:13:47.716 --> 00:13:50.352
"it is better to give than to receive."
00:13:50.419 --> 00:13:55.457
Than to receive." if i tell you my favorite
00:13:55.524 --> 00:13:56.525
If i tell you my favorite giving story,
00:13:56.592 --> 00:13:58.961
Giving story, would you promise
00:13:59.028 --> 00:13:59.361
Would you promise not to accuse me of boasting?
00:13:59.428 --> 00:14:03.699
Not to accuse me of boasting? it's my favorite thing
00:14:03.766 --> 00:14:04.199
It's my favorite thing that's ever happened to me
00:14:04.266 --> 00:14:04.800
That's ever happened to me with money.
00:14:04.867 --> 00:14:05.134
With money. if it comes off wrong,
00:14:05.200 --> 00:14:06.268
If it comes off wrong, that's not my intention,
00:14:06.335 --> 00:14:06.902
That's not my intention, so please forgive me
00:14:06.969 --> 00:14:07.469
So please forgive me after the service is done.
00:14:07.536 --> 00:14:09.471
After the service is done. we used to play
00:14:09.538 --> 00:14:10.072
We used to play pick up basketball
00:14:10.139 --> 00:14:10.506
Pick up basketball at my old church.
00:14:10.572 --> 00:14:12.608
At my old church. and one night, my friend, jason,
00:14:12.675 --> 00:14:13.909
And one night, my friend, jason, and i went to the applebee's
00:14:13.976 --> 00:14:14.877
And i went to the applebee's across the street.
00:14:14.944 --> 00:14:15.811
Across the street. everyone was gone,
00:14:15.878 --> 00:14:16.645
Everyone was gone, and there was a bartender
00:14:16.712 --> 00:14:17.446
And there was a bartender named ashley.
00:14:17.513 --> 00:14:19.615
Named ashley. and ashley was there
00:14:19.682 --> 00:14:21.283
And ashley was there and we were just, like,
00:14:21.350 --> 00:14:23.752
And we were just, like, talking with her.
00:14:23.819 --> 00:14:24.186
Talking with her. and i asked her
00:14:24.253 --> 00:14:24.720
And i asked her in just a random,
00:14:24.787 --> 00:14:26.588
In just a random, randomness of the conversation.
00:14:26.655 --> 00:14:27.523
Randomness of the conversation. "ashley, what's the biggest
00:14:27.589 --> 00:14:28.123
"ashley, what's the biggest tip you've ever gotten?"
00:14:28.190 --> 00:14:31.126
Tip you've ever gotten?" and ashley said,
00:14:31.193 --> 00:14:32.194
And ashley said, "two hundred dollars."
00:14:32.261 --> 00:14:35.297
"two hundred dollars." and then she told us
00:14:35.364 --> 00:14:35.898
And then she told us the depressing story.
00:14:35.965 --> 00:14:37.800
The depressing story. she said, "yeah, a while back,
00:14:37.866 --> 00:14:39.335
She said, "yeah, a while back, big group of dudes came in,
00:14:39.401 --> 00:14:41.403
Big group of dudes came in, and they were sitting
00:14:41.470 --> 00:14:41.904
And they were sitting at that table over there
00:14:41.971 --> 00:14:42.538
At that table over there and they ordered a bunch of food
00:14:42.604 --> 00:14:43.405
And they ordered a bunch of food and they ordered a lot
00:14:43.472 --> 00:14:44.206
And they ordered a lot of drinks."
00:14:44.273 --> 00:14:44.773
Of drinks." in fact, most of the guys
00:14:44.840 --> 00:14:45.507
In fact, most of the guys were completely hammered.
00:14:45.574 --> 00:14:46.508
Were completely hammered. one guy, he drank so much
00:14:46.575 --> 00:14:47.743
One guy, he drank so much he actually puked
00:14:47.810 --> 00:14:48.944
He actually puked all over the table.
00:14:49.011 --> 00:14:50.746
All over the table. and the guys just got up
00:14:50.813 --> 00:14:51.480
And the guys just got up and left.
00:14:51.547 --> 00:14:52.047
And left. and i think one of them
00:14:52.114 --> 00:14:52.948
And i think one of them felt so bad,
00:14:53.015 --> 00:14:53.549
Felt so bad, he opened his wallet,
00:14:53.615 --> 00:14:54.216
He opened his wallet, found 200 bucks and he left it
00:14:54.283 --> 00:14:56.085
Found 200 bucks and he left it on the table alongside the puke
00:14:56.151 --> 00:14:57.619
On the table alongside the puke that i had to clean up."
00:14:57.686 --> 00:15:01.623
That i had to clean up." so, ashley goes in the back
00:15:01.690 --> 00:15:02.391
So, ashley goes in the back to get our
00:15:02.458 --> 00:15:02.825
To get our half-priced appetizers,
00:15:02.891 --> 00:15:03.726
Half-priced appetizers, and i turned
00:15:03.792 --> 00:15:04.193
And i turned to my friend, jason.
00:15:04.259 --> 00:15:04.727
To my friend, jason. and i said, "jason,
00:15:04.793 --> 00:15:06.895
And i said, "jason, we have to give her $200."
00:15:06.962 --> 00:15:10.532
We have to give her $200." and my friend jason says,
00:15:10.599 --> 00:15:12.067
And my friend jason says, "what?"
00:15:12.134 --> 00:15:12.267
[laughter]
00:15:12.668 --> 00:15:14.003
And i said, "each."
00:15:15.170 --> 00:15:21.310
And i said, "each." and jason said, "what?"
00:15:21.377 --> 00:15:23.345
[laughter]
00:15:23.912 --> 00:15:24.747
And i totally peer pressured him
00:15:25.047 --> 00:15:25.714
And i totally peer pressured him like, "just do it.
00:15:25.781 --> 00:15:26.382
Like, "just do it. just do it.
00:15:26.448 --> 00:15:26.749
Just do it. just get the money."
00:15:26.815 --> 00:15:28.117
Just get the money." so, we had our appetizers.
00:15:28.183 --> 00:15:29.251
So, we had our appetizers. the bill comes out.
00:15:29.318 --> 00:15:29.985
The bill comes out. it was like $7 for each of us.
00:15:30.052 --> 00:15:31.320
It was like $7 for each of us. in the tip line
00:15:31.387 --> 00:15:31.987
In the tip line we each wrote in $200,
00:15:32.054 --> 00:15:33.322
We each wrote in $200, total $207.
00:15:33.389 --> 00:15:34.957
Total $207. we signed the checks.
00:15:35.024 --> 00:15:35.624
We signed the checks. and before ashley could see,
00:15:35.691 --> 00:15:36.492
And before ashley could see, we took off.
00:15:36.558 --> 00:15:37.659
We took off. and i remember we get in my car.
00:15:37.726 --> 00:15:38.761
And i remember we get in my car. i'm in the parking lot
00:15:38.827 --> 00:15:39.528
I'm in the parking lot at the madison applebee's
00:15:39.595 --> 00:15:40.996
At the madison applebee's and i'm pulling out,
00:15:41.063 --> 00:15:41.864
And i'm pulling out, and i look in the rearview
00:15:41.930 --> 00:15:42.598
And i look in the rearview mirror and what happens?
00:15:42.664 --> 00:15:44.566
Mirror and what happens? ashley comes busting out
00:15:44.633 --> 00:15:46.268
Ashley comes busting out the front door
00:15:46.335 --> 00:15:46.869
The front door of that applebee's
00:15:46.935 --> 00:15:47.803
Of that applebee's and she's waving her arms
00:15:47.870 --> 00:15:48.871
And she's waving her arms like this and...
00:15:48.937 --> 00:15:49.838
[imitates screeching]
00:15:50.072 --> 00:15:50.472
I hit the gas
00:15:50.639 --> 00:15:50.939
I hit the gas and i tear out of the
00:15:51.006 --> 00:15:51.673
And i tear out of the parking lot and i giggled
00:15:51.740 --> 00:15:53.275
Parking lot and i giggled the whole way back home.
00:15:53.342 --> 00:15:56.245
The whole way back home. and the best part,
00:15:56.311 --> 00:15:57.679
And the best part, i wake up the next morning
00:15:57.746 --> 00:15:58.547
I wake up the next morning and ashley had sent me
00:15:58.614 --> 00:16:00.015
And ashley had sent me an email at 2:33 a.m.
00:16:00.082 --> 00:16:02.918
An email at 2:33 a.m. i must have said that
00:16:02.985 --> 00:16:03.619
I must have said that i was a pastor in the area.
00:16:03.685 --> 00:16:05.020
I was a pastor in the area. she literally googled
00:16:05.087 --> 00:16:05.687
She literally googled "pastors near applebee's
00:16:05.754 --> 00:16:06.989
"pastors near applebee's in madison, wisconsin,"
00:16:07.056 --> 00:16:08.357
In madison, wisconsin," find my church page,
00:16:08.424 --> 00:16:09.324
Find my church page, found my personal email,
00:16:09.391 --> 00:16:12.761
Found my personal email, and she wrote me this message.
00:16:12.828 --> 00:16:13.896
And she wrote me this message. she said, "i was wrong
00:16:13.962 --> 00:16:14.630
She said, "i was wrong about people.
00:16:14.696 --> 00:16:17.466
About people. i thought people were terrible
00:16:17.533 --> 00:16:19.768
I thought people were terrible like the guys who puked
00:16:19.835 --> 00:16:20.602
Like the guys who puked on the table,
00:16:20.669 --> 00:16:21.003
On the table, but the world isn't quite
00:16:21.070 --> 00:16:23.172
But the world isn't quite like that."
00:16:23.238 --> 00:16:28.010
Like that." for 200 bucks.
00:16:28.077 --> 00:16:30.379
For 200 bucks. two hundred bucks.
00:16:30.446 --> 00:16:31.880
Two hundred bucks. man, i've wasted 200 bucks
00:16:31.947 --> 00:16:33.248
Man, i've wasted 200 bucks on such stupid stuff,
00:16:33.315 --> 00:16:35.684
On such stupid stuff, but i gave by the grace of god.
00:16:35.751 --> 00:16:38.520
But i gave by the grace of god. and a decade later,
00:16:38.587 --> 00:16:39.455
And a decade later, i can remember
00:16:39.521 --> 00:16:40.889
I can remember that it is more blessed
00:16:40.956 --> 00:16:42.291
That it is more blessed to give than to receive.
00:16:42.357 --> 00:16:47.963
To give than to receive. so, why would you give?
00:16:48.030 --> 00:16:50.599
So, why would you give? man, i tried to lay out
00:16:50.666 --> 00:16:51.333
Man, i tried to lay out a biblical definition,
00:16:51.400 --> 00:16:53.368
A biblical definition, you praying and picking
00:16:53.435 --> 00:16:53.869
You praying and picking a generous percentage
00:16:53.936 --> 00:16:54.736
A generous percentage that you repeatedly give.
00:16:54.803 --> 00:16:55.904
That you repeatedly give. but maybe if you're
00:16:55.971 --> 00:16:56.905
But maybe if you're struggling financially today,
00:16:56.972 --> 00:16:58.107
Struggling financially today, if you're not so sure,
00:16:58.173 --> 00:16:59.208
If you're not so sure, if you really have plans
00:16:59.274 --> 00:17:00.042
If you really have plans to save more
00:17:00.109 --> 00:17:00.943
To save more or spend more, like,
00:17:01.009 --> 00:17:01.910
Or spend more, like, why would you become
00:17:01.977 --> 00:17:02.578
Why would you become one of those people?
00:17:02.644 --> 00:17:03.479
One of those people? i want to give you
00:17:03.545 --> 00:17:04.480
I want to give you three quick reasons today.
00:17:04.546 --> 00:17:07.216
Why would you give?
00:17:07.316 --> 00:17:07.783
Why would you give? my first reason to you
00:17:07.850 --> 00:17:08.884
My first reason to you is you.
00:17:08.951 --> 00:17:14.623
Is you. it's not the most
00:17:14.690 --> 00:17:15.224
It's not the most important reason,
00:17:15.290 --> 00:17:17.726
But god is actually so generous
00:17:17.826 --> 00:17:18.794
But god is actually so generous that he says when you give,
00:17:18.861 --> 00:17:19.595
That he says when you give, he will bless you.
00:17:19.661 --> 00:17:23.031
He will bless you. in fact, the very next passage
00:17:23.098 --> 00:17:23.799
In fact, the very next passage in 1 timothy 6,
00:17:23.866 --> 00:17:24.566
In 1 timothy 6, i'm going to show it to you.
00:17:24.633 --> 00:17:25.434
Verse 19 says this,
00:17:25.534 --> 00:17:27.236
Verse 19 says this, "in this way,
00:17:27.302 --> 00:17:28.837
"in this way, givers will lay up treasure
00:17:28.904 --> 00:17:31.039
Givers will lay up treasure for themselves
00:17:31.106 --> 00:17:33.609
For themselves as a firm foundation
00:17:33.675 --> 00:17:34.376
As a firm foundation for the coming age,
00:17:34.443 --> 00:17:35.944
For the coming age, so that they may take hold
00:17:36.011 --> 00:17:36.712
So that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."
00:17:36.778 --> 00:17:38.013
Of the life that is truly life." when you give,
00:17:38.080 --> 00:17:39.748
When you give, god says you are
00:17:39.815 --> 00:17:40.249
Laying up treasure,
00:17:40.349 --> 00:17:42.184
Laying up treasure, not for the church,
00:17:42.251 --> 00:17:43.585
Not for the church, or not for god,
00:17:43.652 --> 00:17:44.453
Or not for god, you are laying up treasure
00:17:44.520 --> 00:17:46.455
You are laying up treasure for yourself.
00:17:46.522 --> 00:17:49.391
For yourself. jesus said, "sometimes you give
00:17:49.458 --> 00:17:50.526
Jesus said, "sometimes you give and you don't get a lot
00:17:50.592 --> 00:17:51.260
And you don't get a lot of credit for it."
00:17:51.326 --> 00:17:51.994
Of credit for it." sometimes you give financially
00:17:52.060 --> 00:17:53.262
Sometimes you give financially and you don't see the blessing.
00:17:53.328 --> 00:17:54.196
And you don't see the blessing. but your heavenly father
00:17:54.263 --> 00:17:55.430
But your heavenly father sees the gifts
00:17:55.497 --> 00:17:56.632
Sees the gifts that are given in secret.
00:17:56.698 --> 00:17:57.733
That are given in secret. he knows and he will reward
00:17:57.799 --> 00:17:59.735
He knows and he will reward all those who are obedient
00:17:59.801 --> 00:18:01.103
All those who are obedient to this command.
00:18:01.170 --> 00:18:01.803
To this command. i -- to be honest,
00:18:01.870 --> 00:18:03.539
I -- to be honest, i have no clue what that's
00:18:03.605 --> 00:18:04.740
I have no clue what that's going to look like.
00:18:04.806 --> 00:18:07.876
Going to look like. will god just pull you aside
00:18:07.943 --> 00:18:08.610
Will god just pull you aside one day in heaven and say,
00:18:08.677 --> 00:18:09.645
One day in heaven and say, "hey, i saw that.
00:18:09.711 --> 00:18:13.715
"hey, i saw that. i know you could have done
00:18:13.782 --> 00:18:14.483
I know you could have done what everyone else was doing,
00:18:14.550 --> 00:18:15.350
What everyone else was doing, but i saw the gift
00:18:15.417 --> 00:18:16.785
But i saw the gift that you gave."
00:18:16.852 --> 00:18:19.855
That you gave." is it a word
00:18:19.922 --> 00:18:20.822
Is it a word of commendation?
00:18:20.889 --> 00:18:22.391
Of commendation? is it a word of praise?
00:18:22.457 --> 00:18:23.325
Is it a word of praise? is it simple recognition?
00:18:23.392 --> 00:18:24.293
Is it simple recognition? i don't know,
00:18:24.359 --> 00:18:24.893
I don't know, but i do know this,
00:18:24.960 --> 00:18:25.894
But i do know this, that jesus said you can either
00:18:25.961 --> 00:18:26.929
That jesus said you can either store up for yourself
00:18:26.995 --> 00:18:27.863
Store up for yourself treasures on earth
00:18:27.930 --> 00:18:29.598
Treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy
00:18:29.665 --> 00:18:30.766
Where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal,
00:18:30.832 --> 00:18:31.767
And thieves break in and steal, or you can store up
00:18:31.833 --> 00:18:32.367
Or you can store up treasures in heaven
00:18:32.434 --> 00:18:33.735
Treasures in heaven that no one can touch.
00:18:33.802 --> 00:18:35.737
That no one can touch. i guarantee you this,
00:18:35.804 --> 00:18:37.005
I guarantee you this, if you spend money on you,
00:18:37.072 --> 00:18:38.307
If you spend money on you, the pleasure is here and gone.
00:18:38.373 --> 00:18:39.641
The pleasure is here and gone. if you invest money
00:18:39.708 --> 00:18:40.475
If you invest money in the kingdom of god,
00:18:40.542 --> 00:18:41.677
In the kingdom of god, the pleasure will endure forever
00:18:41.743 --> 00:18:43.111
The pleasure will endure forever because those who give
00:18:43.178 --> 00:18:43.845
Lay up treasure for themselves.
00:18:43.946 --> 00:18:48.951
Lay up treasure for themselves. now, if that wasn't enough
00:18:49.017 --> 00:18:49.985
Now, if that wasn't enough inspiration to give,
00:18:50.052 --> 00:18:50.519
Inspiration to give, let me give you
00:18:50.586 --> 00:18:51.019
Let me give you answer number two.
00:18:51.086 --> 00:18:53.322
Answer number two. we also give for us.
00:18:53.388 --> 00:18:59.161
We also give for us. when you and i,
00:18:59.228 --> 00:19:01.897
And him and her,
00:19:01.997 --> 00:19:02.397
And him and her, and them give generously,
00:19:02.464 --> 00:19:04.433
And them give generously, we are able to do
00:19:04.499 --> 00:19:08.604
We are able to do such beautiful things
00:19:08.670 --> 00:19:09.304
Such beautiful things with the gospel of jesus.
00:19:09.371 --> 00:19:13.041
With the gospel of jesus. when you give,
00:19:13.108 --> 00:19:13.542
When you give, we can do amazing things.
00:19:13.609 --> 00:19:16.278
We can do amazing things. not to upgrade the pastor's
00:19:16.345 --> 00:19:16.979
Not to upgrade the pastor's standard of living,
00:19:17.045 --> 00:19:18.981
But to change people's eternity.
00:19:19.081 --> 00:19:24.419
But to change people's eternity. and then there is god.
00:19:24.486 --> 00:19:27.256
And then there is god. he's the best reason to give.
00:19:27.322 --> 00:19:31.093
He's the best reason to give. have any of you ever, like,
00:19:31.159 --> 00:19:32.127
Have any of you ever, like, been punched in the soul
00:19:32.194 --> 00:19:34.296
In the best way thinking about
00:19:34.396 --> 00:19:35.697
In the best way thinking about the generosity of god?
00:19:35.764 --> 00:19:39.768
The generosity of god? it's really a wild thing
00:19:39.835 --> 00:19:40.369
It's really a wild thing about god,
00:19:40.435 --> 00:19:40.936
About god, if you've never
00:19:41.003 --> 00:19:41.436
If you've never heard this before.
00:19:41.503 --> 00:19:42.070
Heard this before. did you know that god
00:19:42.137 --> 00:19:42.704
Did you know that god is able to see all of your
00:19:42.771 --> 00:19:45.073
Is able to see all of your sins at the same time?
00:19:45.140 --> 00:19:51.013
Sins at the same time? like, your momma
00:19:51.079 --> 00:19:51.380
Like, your momma when she was raising,
00:19:51.446 --> 00:19:52.748
When she was raising, you like she saw
00:19:52.814 --> 00:19:53.282
You like she saw one of your sins on a tuesday
00:19:53.348 --> 00:19:55.517
One of your sins on a tuesday and then she probably forgot
00:19:55.584 --> 00:19:56.385
And then she probably forgot by friday,
00:19:56.451 --> 00:19:58.387
By friday, and a year later
00:19:58.453 --> 00:19:58.887
And a year later she could remember
00:19:58.954 --> 00:19:59.288
She could remember only like 1% of it.
00:19:59.354 --> 00:20:00.255
Only like 1% of it. but god, because he stands
00:20:00.322 --> 00:20:01.256
But god, because he stands outside of time,
00:20:01.323 --> 00:20:02.190
Outside of time, he can literally look and see
00:20:02.257 --> 00:20:02.924
He can literally look and see at the same time.
00:20:02.991 --> 00:20:04.092
At the same time. god can see everything wrong
00:20:04.159 --> 00:20:05.494
God can see everything wrong i've ever done
00:20:05.560 --> 00:20:06.561
I've ever done and everything right
00:20:06.628 --> 00:20:07.362
And everything right that i didn't do.
00:20:07.429 --> 00:20:08.497
That i didn't do. he can see all of my sins.
00:20:08.563 --> 00:20:09.965
He can see all of my sins. and when god saw that,
00:20:10.032 --> 00:20:10.766
And when god saw that, do you know what he did?
00:20:10.832 --> 00:20:14.202
Do you know what he did? he gave.
00:20:14.269 --> 00:20:17.472
He gave. he decided,
00:20:17.539 --> 00:20:19.007
He decided, to sinful people like us,
00:20:19.074 --> 00:20:19.908
To sinful people like us, to be the most extravagantly
00:20:19.975 --> 00:20:22.210
To be the most extravagantly generous person
00:20:22.277 --> 00:20:23.145
Generous person who's ever existed.
00:20:23.211 --> 00:20:24.446
Who's ever existed. the bible says that god,
00:20:24.513 --> 00:20:25.180
The bible says that god, the father, gave you life.
00:20:25.247 --> 00:20:28.250
The father, gave you life. like, he knew your life
00:20:28.317 --> 00:20:29.685
Like, he knew your life would be so far
00:20:29.751 --> 00:20:30.218
Would be so far from perfect.
00:20:30.285 --> 00:20:30.919
From perfect. it will be sinful and rebellious
00:20:30.986 --> 00:20:32.321
It will be sinful and rebellious in 17 different ways,
00:20:32.387 --> 00:20:33.955
In 17 different ways, but he knit you together
00:20:34.022 --> 00:20:34.856
But he knit you together in your mother's womb.
00:20:34.923 --> 00:20:35.657
In your mother's womb. and then after you were born,
00:20:35.724 --> 00:20:36.558
And then after you were born, he gave you breath
00:20:36.625 --> 00:20:37.693
He gave you breath and he gave you daily bread.
00:20:37.759 --> 00:20:39.928
And he gave you daily bread. you're alive today
00:20:39.995 --> 00:20:40.529
You're alive today 'cause god provided for you.
00:20:40.595 --> 00:20:41.630
'cause god provided for you. and then in his
00:20:41.697 --> 00:20:42.130
And then in his crazy generosity,
00:20:42.197 --> 00:20:42.964
Crazy generosity, the bible says that,
00:20:43.031 --> 00:20:43.732
The bible says that, "every good and perfect gift
00:20:43.799 --> 00:20:44.833
"every good and perfect gift in our life
00:20:44.900 --> 00:20:45.667
In our life comes from above."
00:20:45.734 --> 00:20:48.070
Comes from above." every friend you've had,
00:20:48.136 --> 00:20:49.438
Every friend you've had, every family member
00:20:49.504 --> 00:20:50.238
Every family member that you're close to,
00:20:50.305 --> 00:20:51.039
That you're close to, little grandkid you
00:20:51.106 --> 00:20:52.207
Little grandkid you hold in your arms,
00:20:52.274 --> 00:20:53.075
Hold in your arms, the car that you drive,
00:20:53.141 --> 00:20:53.975
The car that you drive, the concerts you've seen,
00:20:54.042 --> 00:20:55.677
The concerts you've seen, the good coffee
00:20:55.744 --> 00:20:56.712
The good coffee that you've had,
00:20:56.778 --> 00:20:57.346
That you've had, like everything has been
00:20:57.412 --> 00:20:59.281
Like everything has been because god is so crazy generous
00:20:59.348 --> 00:21:00.949
Because god is so crazy generous to people who don't deserve it.
00:21:01.016 --> 00:21:01.783
To people who don't deserve it. and then god said,
00:21:01.850 --> 00:21:02.384
And then god said, "wait, wait, wait.
00:21:02.451 --> 00:21:02.784
"wait, wait, wait. watch this."
00:21:02.851 --> 00:21:04.820
Watch this." and he loved the world
00:21:04.886 --> 00:21:05.420
And he loved you so much,
00:21:05.520 --> 00:21:06.254
And he loved you so much, he gave his one and only son.
00:21:06.321 --> 00:21:11.026
Literally, everything
00:21:11.126 --> 00:21:11.526
Literally, everything your heart is aching for
00:21:11.593 --> 00:21:12.794
Your heart is aching for is a free gift in the name
00:21:12.861 --> 00:21:14.463
Is a free gift in the name of jesus christ.
00:21:14.529 --> 00:21:16.365
Of jesus christ. like, do you want someone
00:21:16.431 --> 00:21:17.099
Like, do you want someone to know you fully,
00:21:17.165 --> 00:21:18.834
To know you fully, and yet accept you
00:21:18.900 --> 00:21:19.468
And yet accept you and love you?
00:21:19.534 --> 00:21:21.136
That's your gift
00:21:21.236 --> 00:21:21.937
In the name of jesus.
00:21:22.003 --> 00:21:23.472
Do you want someone to care
00:21:23.538 --> 00:21:24.206
Not just about
00:21:24.272 --> 00:21:24.706
The big things in life
00:21:24.773 --> 00:21:25.474
But all your little stresses
00:21:25.540 --> 00:21:27.242
And anxieties?
00:21:27.309 --> 00:21:28.243
That's your gift at the cross
00:21:28.343 --> 00:21:29.911
That's your gift at the cross of jesus christ.
00:21:29.978 --> 00:21:30.612
Of jesus christ. do you want someone
00:21:30.679 --> 00:21:31.213
Do you want someone to welcome you, invite you,
00:21:31.279 --> 00:21:33.148
To welcome you, invite you, care about you,
00:21:33.215 --> 00:21:33.682
Care about you, accept you?
00:21:33.749 --> 00:21:34.750
Accept you? that's the gift of --
00:21:34.816 --> 00:21:35.617
That's the gift of -- do you want to leave your guilt
00:21:35.684 --> 00:21:37.252
Do you want to leave your guilt and shame behind,
00:21:37.319 --> 00:21:38.086
And shame behind, not get stuck in those
00:21:38.153 --> 00:21:39.354
Not get stuck in those old feelings of that
00:21:39.421 --> 00:21:40.956
Old feelings of that dumb thing you did
00:21:41.022 --> 00:21:42.257
Dumb thing you did or the sin you committed
00:21:42.324 --> 00:21:43.158
Or the sin you committed way back then?
00:21:43.225 --> 00:21:43.625
Way back then? then that is your gift
00:21:43.692 --> 00:21:44.459
Then that is your gift in jesus christ.
00:21:44.526 --> 00:21:45.694
In jesus christ. if you want forgiveness,
00:21:45.761 --> 00:21:46.795
If you want forgiveness, cleansing, salvation, freedom.
00:21:46.862 --> 00:21:48.530
Cleansing, salvation, freedom. if you want
00:21:48.597 --> 00:21:48.964
If you want a place in heaven,
00:21:49.030 --> 00:21:49.798
A place in heaven, if you want a hope and a future,
00:21:49.865 --> 00:21:51.166
If you want a hope and a future, god says, "it's yours.
00:21:51.233 --> 00:21:53.201
God says, "it's yours. in the name of my son,
00:21:53.268 --> 00:21:54.102
In the name of my son, every spiritual gift
00:21:54.169 --> 00:21:55.871
Every spiritual gift is given."
00:21:55.937 --> 00:21:56.705
Is given." i picture the father
00:21:56.772 --> 00:21:57.239
I picture the father and the son high-fiving
00:21:57.305 --> 00:21:58.006
And the son high-fiving and then they said,
00:21:58.073 --> 00:21:58.673
And then they said, "watch this."
00:21:58.740 --> 00:22:00.208
"watch this." and they gave the holy spirit.
00:22:00.275 --> 00:22:03.578
And they gave the holy spirit. and the holy spirit,
00:22:03.645 --> 00:22:04.312
And the holy spirit, some of you know,
00:22:04.379 --> 00:22:04.913
Some of you know, is called the giver of life.
00:22:04.980 --> 00:22:09.217
Is called the giver of life. if you, on this very day,
00:22:09.284 --> 00:22:09.985
If you, on this very day, despite your struggles with sin
00:22:10.051 --> 00:22:11.086
Despite your struggles with sin aren't proud of your sin,
00:22:11.153 --> 00:22:12.220
Aren't proud of your sin, but you repent of it,
00:22:12.287 --> 00:22:14.122
But you repent of it, it's 'cause the holy spirit
00:22:14.189 --> 00:22:15.023
It's 'cause the holy spirit gave a new heart,
00:22:15.090 --> 00:22:17.859
Gave a new heart, that you believe god's ways
00:22:17.926 --> 00:22:18.527
That you believe god's ways are better than your ways.
00:22:18.593 --> 00:22:19.561
Are better than your ways. if you believe
00:22:19.628 --> 00:22:20.162
If you believe that all the things i just said
00:22:20.228 --> 00:22:21.897
That all the things i just said about the cross are yours,
00:22:21.963 --> 00:22:22.998
About the cross are yours, they're true for you too,
00:22:23.064 --> 00:22:24.433
They're true for you too, it's because he gave you faith
00:22:24.499 --> 00:22:26.067
In your heart.
00:22:26.168 --> 00:22:27.903
If you found power
00:22:27.969 --> 00:22:28.603
To change things in your life
00:22:28.670 --> 00:22:29.704
The way you speak,
00:22:29.771 --> 00:22:30.405
The way you think,
00:22:30.472 --> 00:22:31.606
How you battle temptations,
00:22:31.673 --> 00:22:32.674
It's 'cause he gave you strength
00:22:32.741 --> 00:22:34.342
And the spirit
00:22:34.409 --> 00:22:35.243
And fruit of self-control.
00:22:35.310 --> 00:22:37.813
I picture, like, some
00:22:37.913 --> 00:22:38.814
I picture, like, some gold medal platform
00:22:38.880 --> 00:22:40.415
Gold medal platform for generosity
00:22:40.482 --> 00:22:41.049
For generosity and the father, and the son,
00:22:41.116 --> 00:22:42.317
And the father, and the son, and the holy spirit
00:22:42.384 --> 00:22:42.818
And the holy spirit are all squeezed up
00:22:42.884 --> 00:22:43.318
Are all squeezed up on that platform together
00:22:43.385 --> 00:22:44.920
On that platform together because for all of eternity
00:22:44.986 --> 00:22:45.887
Because for all of eternity and all of your life
00:22:45.954 --> 00:22:46.621
And all of your life they have been giving,
00:22:46.688 --> 00:22:47.622
They have been giving, and giving, and giving,
00:22:47.689 --> 00:22:49.291
And giving, and giving, and giving.
00:22:49.357 --> 00:22:50.225
And giving. why would you give?
00:22:50.292 --> 00:22:53.061
Why would you give? because you want to say thanks
00:22:53.128 --> 00:22:53.962
Because you want to say thanks to the god who gave so much
00:22:54.029 --> 00:22:54.830
To the god who gave so much to you.
00:22:54.896 --> 00:22:56.665
To you. why forgive?
00:22:56.731 --> 00:22:57.098
Why forgive? because you've been forgiven.
00:22:57.165 --> 00:22:58.300
Because you've been forgiven. why love?
00:22:58.366 --> 00:22:58.667
Why love? because he loved you first.
00:22:58.733 --> 00:22:59.734
Because he loved you first. why give?
00:22:59.801 --> 00:23:01.870
Why give? because we have a god,
00:23:01.937 --> 00:23:02.471
Because we have a god, father, son, and holy spirit
00:23:02.537 --> 00:23:03.171
Father, son, and holy spirit who first gave to us.
00:23:03.238 --> 00:23:07.876
Who first gave to us. and you put that all together
00:23:07.943 --> 00:23:09.177
And you put that all together and i would say if you were
00:23:09.244 --> 00:23:10.212
And i would say if you were on the fence before,
00:23:10.278 --> 00:23:11.046
On the fence before, you can't stay there.
00:23:11.112 --> 00:23:12.881
You can't stay there. why would you repeatedly
00:23:12.948 --> 00:23:14.716
Why would you repeatedly give that generous percentage
00:23:14.783 --> 00:23:15.650
Give that generous percentage that you've picked?
00:23:15.717 --> 00:23:16.351
That you've picked? because it's good for you,
00:23:16.418 --> 00:23:18.720
Because it's good for you, because it's so good for us,
00:23:18.787 --> 00:23:20.655
Because it's so good for us, and because it worships the god
00:23:20.722 --> 00:23:21.523
And because it worships the god who has been so,
00:23:21.590 --> 00:23:22.224
Who has been so, so good to us.
00:23:22.290 --> 00:23:23.658
So good to us. it's hard to take
00:23:23.725 --> 00:23:26.194
It's hard to take a step of faith with forgiveness
00:23:26.261 --> 00:23:27.662
A step of faith with forgiveness for some of you,
00:23:27.729 --> 00:23:28.396
For some of you, with love, with generosity.
00:23:28.463 --> 00:23:30.565
With love, with generosity. but god was not lying to you
00:23:30.632 --> 00:23:32.000
But god was not lying to you when he called you
00:23:32.067 --> 00:23:32.767
When he called you to this life that changes
00:23:32.834 --> 00:23:34.035
To this life that changes other people's lives.
00:23:34.102 --> 00:23:36.371
Other people's lives. friends, a year from now,
00:23:36.438 --> 00:23:38.006
Friends, a year from now, or ten years from now,
00:23:38.073 --> 00:23:38.874
Or ten years from now, or fifty years from now,
00:23:38.940 --> 00:23:39.774
Or fifty years from now, i will give you this guarantee.
00:23:39.841 --> 00:23:41.543
I will give you this guarantee. you will never regret
00:23:41.610 --> 00:23:42.878
You will never regret taking a step in the generation
00:23:42.944 --> 00:23:46.014
Taking a step in the generation and example of jesus.
00:23:46.081 --> 00:23:48.917
And example of jesus. that you will never regret
00:23:48.984 --> 00:23:49.818
That you will never regret trying to imitate the one
00:23:49.885 --> 00:23:50.919
Trying to imitate the one who first gave his life
00:23:50.986 --> 00:23:52.621
Who first gave his life for you.
00:23:52.687 --> 00:23:53.388
For you. friends, all of us
00:23:53.455 --> 00:23:54.055
Friends, all of us will have money.
00:23:54.122 --> 00:23:54.789
Will have money. all of us will
00:23:54.856 --> 00:23:55.323
All of us will use money somehow.
00:23:55.390 --> 00:23:56.758
Use money somehow. my prayer today is that
00:23:56.825 --> 00:23:57.359
My prayer today is that we change people's lives
00:23:57.425 --> 00:23:58.527
We change people's lives through generosity
00:23:58.593 --> 00:23:59.728
Through generosity as we imitate the generous god
00:23:59.794 --> 00:24:02.531
As we imitate the generous god who's already changed ours.
00:24:02.597 --> 00:24:05.867
Who's already changed ours. let's pray.
00:24:05.934 --> 00:24:06.501
♪ ♪
00:24:06.935 --> 00:24:08.670
Dear heavenly father,
00:24:08.870 --> 00:24:09.638
Dear heavenly father, you've been so good to us.
00:24:09.704 --> 00:24:13.108
You've been so good to us. and the cars we drive,
00:24:13.174 --> 00:24:13.875
And the cars we drive, the clothes that we wear,
00:24:13.942 --> 00:24:14.743
The clothes that we wear, and the places where we live,
00:24:14.809 --> 00:24:15.710
And the places where we live, that's from you.
00:24:15.777 --> 00:24:18.580
That's from you. the children that we raise,
00:24:18.647 --> 00:24:19.581
The children that we raise, the friends that we have,
00:24:19.648 --> 00:24:20.815
The friends that we have, the freedoms that we celebrate,
00:24:20.882 --> 00:24:21.983
The freedoms that we celebrate, that's from you.
00:24:22.050 --> 00:24:24.419
That's from you. the life of your son,
00:24:24.486 --> 00:24:25.120
The life of your son, the cross of your son,
00:24:25.186 --> 00:24:26.121
The cross of your son, the empty tomb of your son,
00:24:26.187 --> 00:24:27.088
The empty tomb of your son, all of it is from you.
00:24:27.155 --> 00:24:28.123
All of it is from you. the gifts of repentance,
00:24:28.189 --> 00:24:28.890
The gifts of repentance, and faith, and spiritual gifts
00:24:28.957 --> 00:24:30.592
And faith, and spiritual gifts understand that you've been
00:24:30.659 --> 00:24:31.359
Understand that you've been so giving to us and that
00:24:31.426 --> 00:24:33.662
So giving to us and that changes our hearts, god.
00:24:33.728 --> 00:24:36.097
Changes our hearts, god. we live in a world
00:24:36.164 --> 00:24:36.865
We live in a world that doesn't want us
00:24:36.932 --> 00:24:37.599
That doesn't want us to be generous,
00:24:37.666 --> 00:24:38.867
To be generous, and there is a spiritual enemy
00:24:38.934 --> 00:24:40.335
And there is a spiritual enemy who hates it when
00:24:40.402 --> 00:24:40.835
Who hates it when we look like jesus.
00:24:40.902 --> 00:24:42.304
We look like jesus. and so, i pray that
00:24:42.370 --> 00:24:42.904
For more and more hearts,
00:24:43.004 --> 00:24:43.805
And souls, and family trees,
00:24:43.872 --> 00:24:45.373
And generations,
00:24:45.440 --> 00:24:46.207
You just break us from our fears
00:24:46.274 --> 00:24:47.976
And anxieties about money
00:24:48.043 --> 00:24:49.611
And release us
00:24:49.678 --> 00:24:50.211
With the beautiful power
00:24:50.278 --> 00:24:51.680
Of christian generosity.
00:24:51.746 --> 00:24:55.183
Lord, you inspired
00:24:55.250 --> 00:24:55.684
The book of acts
00:24:55.750 --> 00:24:57.385
Where we see an early church
00:24:57.452 --> 00:24:58.720
That was bold,
00:24:58.787 --> 00:24:59.154
And they were generous,
00:24:59.220 --> 00:24:59.988
And they were focused
00:25:00.055 --> 00:25:00.522
On jesus.
00:25:00.589 --> 00:25:01.957
And the world changed
00:25:02.023 --> 00:25:02.691
Because of it.
00:25:02.757 --> 00:25:04.693
And we're praying
00:25:04.759 --> 00:25:05.126
For a mini revival
00:25:05.193 --> 00:25:06.628
Here in america.
00:25:06.695 --> 00:25:08.897
We pray that a reformation
00:25:08.964 --> 00:25:09.764
Would start here
00:25:09.831 --> 00:25:10.498
In our hearts,
00:25:10.565 --> 00:25:11.232
That you would open our hearts
00:25:11.299 --> 00:25:12.701
Which would open our hands,
00:25:12.767 --> 00:25:14.235
Which would open
00:25:14.302 --> 00:25:14.636
The flood gates of heaven
00:25:14.703 --> 00:25:15.737
To bless this community,
00:25:15.804 --> 00:25:16.705
Perhaps, as it's never
00:25:16.771 --> 00:25:17.706
Been before.
00:25:17.772 --> 00:25:19.741
God, your church changed
00:25:19.808 --> 00:25:20.375
The world when it started
00:25:20.442 --> 00:25:21.142
With just 120 people.
00:25:21.209 --> 00:25:23.945
Imagine if it would start
00:25:24.012 --> 00:25:24.546
With us.
00:25:24.613 --> 00:25:26.414
We pray this all
00:25:26.481 --> 00:25:27.148
In the amazing name of jesus
00:25:27.215 --> 00:25:28.249
Who gave his life
00:25:28.316 --> 00:25:28.984
For the forgiveness of our sins.
00:25:29.050 --> 00:25:31.086
All god's people said, "amen."
00:25:31.152 --> 00:25:33.488
>> thank you, pastor mike,
00:25:34.623 --> 00:25:35.490
>> thank you, pastor mike, for giving us the much needed
00:25:35.557 --> 00:25:37.058
For giving us the much needed reminder about the power
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Reminder about the power of generosity and how it can
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Of generosity and how it can transform not just us,
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Transform not just us, but also those around us.
00:25:41.329 --> 00:25:43.164
But also those around us. you know what else
00:25:43.231 --> 00:25:43.798
You know what else is transformative?
00:25:43.865 --> 00:25:44.966
Is transformative? prayer.
00:25:45.033 --> 00:25:45.700
Prayer. this month we have
00:25:45.767 --> 00:25:46.635
This month we have a devotional prayer
00:25:46.701 --> 00:25:47.535
A devotional prayer journal called,
00:25:47.602 --> 00:25:48.436
Journal called, "the power of devoted prayer,"
00:25:48.503 --> 00:25:49.671
"the power of devoted prayer," by pastor mike
00:25:49.738 --> 00:25:50.605
By pastor mike and pastor mark jeske.
00:25:50.672 --> 00:25:52.107
And pastor mark jeske. each of these 45 devotions
00:25:52.173 --> 00:25:53.742
Each of these 45 devotions include scripture,
00:25:53.808 --> 00:25:55.043
Include scripture, a journal question
00:25:55.110 --> 00:25:56.244
A journal question and a prayer prompt
00:25:56.311 --> 00:25:57.245
And a prayer prompt to help you build
00:25:57.312 --> 00:25:58.446
To help you build the habit of daily prayer.
00:25:58.513 --> 00:25:59.981
The habit of daily prayer. request your copy
00:26:00.048 --> 00:26:01.049
Request your copy with your financial gift
00:26:01.116 --> 00:26:02.217
With your financial gift to time of grace.
00:26:02.283 --> 00:26:03.018
>> prayer is your connection
00:26:03.718 --> 00:26:04.853
To the promises of god
00:26:04.919 --> 00:26:05.854
In christ jesus,
00:26:05.920 --> 00:26:07.155
An invitation to approach
00:26:07.222 --> 00:26:08.390
Your heavenly father
00:26:08.456 --> 00:26:09.491
And let him shape your heart,
00:26:09.557 --> 00:26:11.226
Strengthen your faith,
00:26:11.292 --> 00:26:12.227
And speak personally
00:26:12.293 --> 00:26:13.161
Into your life.
00:26:13.228 --> 00:26:14.596
Start building the lifelong
00:26:14.663 --> 00:26:15.964
Habit of daily prayer
00:26:16.031 --> 00:26:17.298
And gain access to
00:26:17.365 --> 00:26:18.166
A supernatural power source with
00:26:18.233 --> 00:26:19.434
"the power of devoted prayer"
00:26:19.501 --> 00:26:20.835
From time of grace.
00:26:20.902 --> 00:26:22.170
Each of the 45 devotions
00:26:22.237 --> 00:26:23.605
Include a passage of scripture,
00:26:23.672 --> 00:26:25.507
A journal question
00:26:25.573 --> 00:26:26.274
And either a written prayer
00:26:26.341 --> 00:26:27.676
Or a prayer prompt
00:26:27.742 --> 00:26:28.643
To help you pray with
00:26:28.710 --> 00:26:29.577
More passion, depth,
00:26:29.644 --> 00:26:30.979
Consistency and power.
00:26:31.046 --> 00:26:32.147
"the power of devoted prayer"
00:26:32.213 --> 00:26:33.548
Is our way to thank you
00:26:33.615 --> 00:26:34.849
For your gift to help more
00:26:34.916 --> 00:26:35.884
People find everything
00:26:35.950 --> 00:26:36.951
They're looking for in jesus.
00:26:37.018 --> 00:26:38.486
Request yours today
00:26:38.553 --> 00:26:39.587
By calling 800-661-3311,
00:26:39.654 --> 00:26:43.591
Visiting timeofgrace.org
00:26:43.658 --> 00:26:45.727
Or writing us at p.o. 301
00:26:45.794 --> 00:26:48.096
Milwaukee, wisconsin 53201.
00:26:48.163 --> 00:26:51.199
>> time of grace
00:26:54.135 --> 00:26:54.769
Doesn't end here.
00:26:54.869 --> 00:26:55.937
Visit timeofgrace.org
00:26:56.037 --> 00:26:58.473
And explore
00:26:58.573 --> 00:26:59.007
Encouraging resources
00:26:59.107 --> 00:27:00.375
Or sign up for our daily email
00:27:00.475 --> 00:27:01.643
And have everything delivered
00:27:01.743 --> 00:27:02.644
Right to your inbox, like our
00:27:02.744 --> 00:27:04.245
Grace moments devotions,
00:27:04.345 --> 00:27:07.515
Blog, and podcasts.
00:27:07.615 --> 00:27:09.317
Follow us on social media
00:27:09.417 --> 00:27:10.819
Where you'll find a supportive
00:27:10.919 --> 00:27:11.886
Christian community.
00:27:11.986 --> 00:27:12.587
Do you need prayer?
00:27:12.687 --> 00:27:13.822
Contact us and let us know
00:27:13.922 --> 00:27:15.023
What's on your heart.
00:27:15.123 --> 00:27:15.924
Thank you so much
00:27:16.024 --> 00:27:16.858
For your support.
00:27:16.958 --> 00:27:18.460
>> see you next week
00:27:19.461 --> 00:27:20.061
On time of grace.
00:27:20.128 --> 00:27:21.329

Mike Novotny - Money: Generosity Changes Lives

July 7, 2025 | 29:0

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