Out of Love

Out of Love

Ezra 1:6

Show Video Clip “Give”

The clip you just saw is the 2nd clip of the promotion of our upcoming Mission Festival. What Rev. Stephenson was talking about was the giving that was above and beyond the normal tithe that people give in the local church. The money that was given helped build this hospital in Mali and it came from people like you and me. Recognizing a need, encouraging others by giving, and doing out of love.

We’ve started a message with this video clip, because today we’re talking about offerings. Several weeks ago you heard a message about tithing and I said during that message that there was a difference between the tithe, which is required to be given, and the offering, which is an extension of our commitment to the work of God. With that in mind let us read Ezra 1:6.

There are three answers to the question, “What does giving of my offering do?”

Answer #1:

I.                  (Giving brings) Encouragement

A.                It’s not the Gift

B.                It’s what the Gift Brings

Answer #2:

II.              (Giving supplies) Provision

A.                Things for the Temple

B.                Things for the Sacrifice

C.                Things to Meet Needs

1.                Voluntary Contribution

2.                Additional Support

Mark Moring, editor of Men of Integrity wrote:

   “When a friend of mine couldn't sell his home after a move, he decided to rent it out. Twice in three years, tenants broke the lease and skipped town after trashing the place, leaving my friend with thousands of dollars in repairs.

   He tried to sell the house again, and it sat on the market for months while he made mortgage payments he couldn't afford. His credit cards maxed out, foreclosure became a possibility, and his stress was sky-high.

   When he told friends at church about his problem, they responded in a big way. Within 48 hours:

   - His couples' Bible study gave him and his wife a check that more than covered their next mortgage payment, giving them more time to sell the house.

   - His Sunday school teacher--a realtor and financial adviser--prayed with him and his wife, encouraging them and offering wise counsel.

   - A church elder--an attorney my friend could never afford--spent 90 minutes on the phone with him, giving solid advice.

   My friend was striking out, and the church stepped up to the plate. But it never could have happened if he hadn't put his pride aside and made his needs known.”

Answer #3:

III.           (Giving shows) Benevolence (Proverbs 22:9)

Benevolence is meeting the needs of others.

A.                One Who Gives from His Heart

1.                Understands the Needs

2.                Wants to Help

B.                Self Denying Love

Show Video Clip “Give” again