Sep 14, 2021
Mark 12:28-31; Proverbs 11:24-25
Today, as we say once again, “We Are Crossgate,” we’re going to highlight our “generosity” priority. You know, we have seven priorities at Crossgate—glory, truth, love, prayer, community, generosity, and reach.
Notice that this definition of generosity flows out of a love for God. It’s about an others-centered compassion that’s grounded in a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. Notice also that it’s comprehensive—time, talents, and treasure—that is, it’s not just about material resources.
1) Generosity Principles - Let’s consider some generosity principles—and let’s remember these are broad principles that apply to time, talents, treasure . . . and beyond. Remember, “God + Others > Me”. The bottom line is that a Jesus follower is others-centered . . . just like Jesus.
Scripture References: (Mark 12:28-31) (Philippians 2:3-5)
2) God’s Generosity Boomerang Goes BOOM
Scripture References: (Proverbs 11:24-25) (Luke 6:38)
Here’s the irony of generosity: “The more you give, the more you get; the more you grasp, the more you lose.” Keep in mind that God gives back primarily by degree, not necessarily in kind. The degree to which you give of your time, talents, and treasure to others and for others, God gives back to you his joy, peace, and contentment.
Listen, God wants us to enjoy the ride on the generosity highway. Life on the generosity highway is meant to be the joy of the fast lane with the top down, laughing and smiling and enjoying God’s best. The only way to enjoy that kind of living is to be an others-centered Jesus follower.
3) Generosity Pathways
As we’ve already said, based on our generosity priority, we’ve got three generosity pathways at Crossgate Church—three ways to be a plus and not a minus.
Those three pathways are (1) time, (2) talents, and (3) treasure.
TIME.
At Crossgate Church, we focus on a comprehensive disciple-making pathway called “Next Steps.” This pathway is structured around four key steps: (1) Make a decision, (2) Join a group, (3) Become a member, and (4) Meet a need, and we encourage everyone to take their “next step” with Jesus. As you may or may not know, there are tons of opportunities to take the “next step” of generosity by meeting a need both on-campus and off-campus.
TALENTS.
In some cases, we have opportunities that are talent-oriented and experience-oriented. These are opportunities such as worship team and tech team. Some of you have experience in audio and video, and we have a need for YOU and your generosity with your talents at Crossgate Church. When it comes to being generous with your time and talents at Crossgate Church, I would ask you to seriously pray about your “next step” toward generosity and meeting a need. Will you seriously ask the Lord, “God, where would YOU have me serve—regardless of my comfort zone?”
TREASURE.
Generous Jesus followers willingly give of their treasure to others and for others. Scripture References: (Malachi 3:10) Exodus 35:29)
Conclusion: How are you using your gifts of time, talents, and treasure for God’s Kingdom?