Sermons and Biblical Studies

Topics: Christian Culture; Giving; Money References: Matthew 6:19–24; 16:24 When we give money, we are releasing a little more of our egocentric selves and a little more of our false security.… Giving frees us to care. It produces an air of expectancy as we anticipate what God will lead us to give. It makes life … Continue reading “GIFTS
OF GIVING”

Topics: Benevolence; Generosity; Giving; Money; Stewardship; Tithing; Work References: Proverbs 3:9–10; Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8; Hebrews 7:5–6 Corporate giving is no longer about signing fat checks, public preening, and charity balls, says Jeff Skoll, vice president of strategic planning and analysis for eBay Inc. “Young, ‘newly minted’ givers anticipate … Continue reading “PERSONALIZING
GIVING”

Topics: Generosity; Giving; Money; Stinginess; Tithing References: Matthew 6:21; Luke 21:1–4; 2 Corinthians 8:12 A church member stopped the pastor and angrily complained that the church had purchased five new brooms—an expenditure that he thought was completely unnecessary. The pastor was surprised at the man’s reaction and mentioned it to the church treasurer, who said, … Continue reading “TITHING
BROOMS”

Topics: Daily Bread; Giving; Gratitude; Provision; Thanksgiving; Tithing References: Deuteronomy 26:1–11; Psalm 95:2; Luke 17:11–19; Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 8:1–15; 9:6–8; Ephesians 5:20 While hurrying through Chicago’s commuter train station, I had an “Aha!” moment that stopped me in my tracks. I had just left the candy counter where I’d bought Valentine’s treats for a … Continue reading “SLIGHTING
GOD IN STINGINESS”

Topics: Generosity; Giving; Money References: Psalm 112:5; 2 Corinthians 9:11 Things themselves do not remain, but their effects do. Therefore we should not be mean and calculating with what we have but give with a generous hand. Look at how much people give to players and dancers—why not give just as much to Christ? —John … Continue reading “A
GENEROUS HAND”

Topics: Eternal Life; Generosity; Heaven; Justification; Reconciliation; Salvation References: Mark 10:25; John 3:16; 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:23; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5–7 Warren Buffet, the world’s second-richest man, announced in June 2006 that he would donate 85 percent of his $44 billion fortune to five charitable foundations. Commenting on this extreme level of generosity, … Continue reading “GIVING
TO GET”

Topics: Generosity; Giving; Missions; Money; Outreach; Poverty; Prosperity; Riches; Stewardship; Tithing References: Proverbs 11:24; Acts 11:29; 20:35; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Galatians 2:10; James 1:27; 5:1–6; 1 John 3:16–17 Most Americans are generous. According to a 2006 study, the vast majority of Americans make some contribution to the Red Cross, Salvation Army, American … Continue reading “GIVING
MORE”

Topics: Children; Giving; Greed; Human Condition; Offerings; Self-centeredness; Sinful Nature; Stinginess; Tithing References: Matthew 6:19–24; Luke 12:13–21; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:1–6 A little boy wanted to help himself when the wine and wafers of Communion were passed out. His mother leaned over and told him that he was not old enough to take Communion. Later, … Continue reading “NO
PAY PLATE”

Topics: Childlike Faith; Compassion; Generosity; Giving; Kindness; Offerings; Sowing and Reaping; Spiritual Harvest; Stewardship; Tithing References: Deuteronomy 15:7; Psalm 112:5; Proverbs 22:9; 2 Corinthians 8:12; 9:7; 1 John 3:17 Briton Nordemeyer, eight, of Brandon, South Dakota, wanted to help the children who had lost everything during Hurricane Katrina. So when Briton’s tooth fell out in … Continue reading “TOOTH
FAIRY FOR NEEDY KIDS”

Topics: Character; Faithfulness; Finances; Generosity; Giving; Greed; Honesty; Prosperity; Riches; Stealing; Stewardship; Stinginess; Tithing References: Deuteronomy 15:7; Malachi 3:6–12; Matthew 6:1–4; 19:21; Luke 6:38; Acts 5:1–11; 2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15 A twelve-year-old member of the church I pastor recently left a five-dollar bill on my desk with a note that read, “I have my thieving money,” … Continue reading “THIEVING
MONEY”