Msg #2310 Don't Give Until it Hurts

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

With all the prosperity gospel shysters out there, an honest preacher of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ might tip toe around the church offering plate, but the Apostle Paul nails it for the church of God at Corinth. He begins 2Cor.8 with the grace of God that produced abounding liberality in the churches of Macedonia. Recall Paul's Macedonian call (Acts.16:9), his reception at Philippi (vr.12), his first European convert, Lydia (vr.14-15), his encounter with a Philippian Jailer (vr.31), and the rapid birth of a church at Thessalonica (17:1-3). These fledgling, on fire churches of Macedonia are held up, to one of the most crusty, carnal churches of the NT, as a superb example of givers. We should learn the lesson.

Evangelist Harold Boyd taught, “God does not ask us to take up offerings to raise money, he does it to raise children.” “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” “If God does not get ahold of your wallet, he will not get ahold of your will.” “Don't give until it hurts, give until it feels good.” “Grace giving will never bring you to the law, but it will bring you to the cross.” “Real prosperity, with real faith, is the ability to tap into God's resources to get what you need to meet the needs of others, … God has already promised to meet your needs.” “Tithing is a debt you owe, faith promise giving is a seed you sow.”

All these well thought out pithy verses are in the margin of my Bible around 2Cor.8 and 9. At our annual Faith Promise Missions Giving Conferences, Brother Boyd would say, “Pastor Rice, get a pencil, I am going to give you something worth writing down.” There are more. These chapters to Corinth are a beacon of abounding liberality.

An Essay for week #10 - Mar 5, 2023

Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs230305.mp3

A Holy Land Tour Journaled at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/israel22

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A weekly 300 word essay- The Penny Pulpit
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