When you hear the word "generous," what comes to mind? Money, time, or acts of kindness? Generosity is often associated with these things, but at its core, it’s about trusting God. This week, we explored what it means to live generously and how it can transform our lives. Let’s dive into the key points from our recent sermon on generosity.

Generosity Reflects Our Trust in God
Have you ever wondered why it’s so hard to let go of what we have? Whether it’s money, time, or possessions, clinging to our resources often stems from fear. Proverbs 3:9-10 teaches us to honor the Lord with our wealth and promises that our barns will be filled to overflowing. This scripture emphasizes the importance of putting God first and trusting Him to provide for our needs.

The Importance of First Fruits
In biblical times, the first fruits were the best portion of the harvest, dedicated to God as an act of worship and gratitude. Today, honoring God with our first fruits means giving Him our best, not our leftovers. When we prioritize giving to God, we declare that He is more important than our material possessions or worries about having enough.

God Blesses Obedience
Proverbs 3:10 reassures us that God blesses those who honor Him with their resources. This blessing might not always be financial; it could come in the form of peace, joy, strong relationships, or unexpected opportunities. Trusting God with our resources isn’t about losing; it’s about gaining something far greater—God’s favor and blessings in our lives.

Generosity Brings Blessing
Generosity doesn’t just bless others; it blesses us as well. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 explains that whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Giving should come from a cheerful heart, not out of obligation. When we give joyfully, we experience the freedom and joy that comes from trusting God with our resources.

Sowing and Reaping
The Bible frequently uses agricultural terms like sowing and reaping to describe the principles of giving. When we give, we plant seeds that grow into blessings, often in unexpected ways. God loves a cheerful giver and promises to bless us abundantly so that we can abound in every good work.

Our Journey
Our church began as a spark of faith shared by three families and has grown into a beacon of hope for our community. As we approach 2025, we stand at a crossroads of faith and opportunity. Our vision is not just about numbers; it’s about movement, mission, and miracles. We believe God will accomplish something greater than we can imagine.

Financial Goals and Trusting God
We have bold financial goals to support our vision, including raising $175,000 by September 2025. While these numbers are audacious, we trust that God specializes in exceeding our expectations. Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.

Dreaming Big
What if our next home wasn’t just for Sundays? Imagine a place where people can encounter Jesus seven days a week—a hub for ministry, a light in our community. Whether it’s a coffee shop with a play center or a marketplace center for ministry, the possibilities are endless. This vision requires all of us to pray boldly, give generously, and dream together.

Trusting God with Your Resources
Living generously is about trusting God with what we have. This week, challenge yourself to let go of something you hold dear and trust God to fill your hands with His blessings. Reflect on these questions:

1. What is the most challenging thing for you to give up—time, money, or a prized possession?
2. How can you prioritize giving to God in your daily life?
3. What steps can you take to trust God more with your resources?

Practical Steps
1. Pray Boldly: Ask God to provide for your needs and guide you in how to use your resources for His kingdom.
2. Give Generously: Use the resources God has blessed you with to bless others. No gift is too small when given with a heart for God’s kingdom.
3. Dream with Us: Share your ideas and join us in our vision for the future. Together, we can accomplish great things for God’s glory.

Generosity is more than just giving; it’s about trusting God and experiencing His blessings in our lives. As we move forward, let’s commit to living generously, trusting God with our resources, and dreaming big for His kingdom. Join us in this journey of faith and watch how God moves in extraordinary ways.