StoneBridge Community Church
Why We Give
Pastor Jeff Cheadle
Locations & Times
StoneBridge Campus
4832 Cochran St, Simi Valley, CA 93063, USA
Saturday 5:30 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 10:30 AM
"Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." —2 Corinthians 9.6
Paul's Parting Words
Paul shares a saying of Jesus not found in the gospels in Acts 20.35: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Bob Deffinbaugh describes and discusses Paul's last moments and parting words with the elders in Ephesus in his article "Paul's Parting Words" (Acts 20.1-38)
http://bit.ly/2eGUW2LNot equal gifts, but equal sacrifice
1. We give because…
1. We give because it's a great investment.
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” —Jim Elliot
Jim Elliot
Philip James Elliot (192 –1956) was one of five missionaries killed while participating in Operation Auca, an effort to evangelize the Huaorani people of Ecuador. His story is told in the 2005 movie End of the Spear.
http://bit.ly/1TX8rouFor Reflection/Discussion
For Reflection/Discussion: Paul assures the Corinthians that God was able to meet their needs. Why do so many of us have a hard time believing this?
2. We give because…
2. We give because it feels good to give.
African Offering
Video of the offering for Sunday service at Rescue Mission Church in Lagos, Nigeria West Africa, December, 2008. These are joyful givers. YouTube
http://bit.ly/2em8SvSFor Reflection/Discussion
For Reflection/Discussion: Does giving to God and God's work bring you joy? Why are some people cheerful givers while others feel guilty, angry, or defensive about their giving? Does being someone with limited financial resources disqualify a person from giving?
3. We give because…
3. We give because God's got it covered.
Dave Ramsey on Tithing
Tithing is giving the first tenth of what we earn back to God at our place of worship. Dave Ramsey writes, "Tithing was created for our benefit. It is to teach us how to keep God first in our lives and how to be unselfish people. Unselfish people make better husbands, wives, friends, relatives, employees and employers. God is trying to teach us how to prosper over time." Read the article…
http://bit.ly/2dYrFwsFor Reflection/Discussion
For Reflection/Discussion: Why do some people push back on the topic of tithing? In what ways are giving and trusting God connected?
4. We give because…
4. We give because it leaves a lasting legacy for good.
Church Growth Ratios
A very brief overview of a few church growth ratios from the Ministry Action Plans website.
http://bit.ly/2f0CfEZFor Reflection/Discussion
For Reflection/Discussion: Why is it important to leave a legacy of faith to our children, grandchildren, and future generations? How might their lives be different without Christ?
5. We give because…
5. We give because we've been given so much.
6. We give because…
6. We give because it brings glory to God.
For Reflection/Discussion
For Reflection/Discussion: Hebrews 11.6 says that "without faith it is impossible to please God." Why does our faith please God? What connection is there between faith and giving?
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose. —Jim Elliot
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