Neighborhood Friends Church

Generosity NOTES 02:
"Watch Out for Greed"


28 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. 29 Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. 30 Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Matthew 11:28–30 (MSG)


10 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.
Ecclesiastes 5:10 (ESV)


15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Luke 12:15 (ESV)

Take Note
The enemy is not out for your money.
The enemy is out for your mind and heart.

18 And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, 19 but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
Mark 4:18–19 (ESV)


23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
Matthew 19:23–24 (ESV)

Take Note
The weird thing about greed is,
very few of us think of ourselves as greedy.



39 And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.
Luke 11:39 (ESV)


40 You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also? 41 But give as alms those things that are within, and behold, everything is clean for you.
Luke 11:40–41 (ESV)

“contentment”
one of the most underrated virtues in the world.


6 But godliness with contentment is great gain,
1 Timothy 6:6 (ESV)

7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.
1 Timothy 6:7 (ESV)

Take Note
All wealth is temporary.
Either you will lose it at the day you die, or you will lose it way before that.

8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
1 Timothy 6:8 (ESV)

9 But those who desire to be rich . . .
1 Timothy 6:9a (ESV)

“Those who want to get rich … ”
“Those who long to be rich.” (NET)
“Who set their hearts on being wealthy.” (Philips)

9b . . . fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.10a For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.
1 Timothy 6:9b-10a (ESV)

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.”
often misquoted as:
“Money is the root of all evil.”

10b It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
1 Timothy 6:10b (ESV)

10 Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.
1 Timothy 6:10 (MSG)

Take Note
Not only does money not make people happy,
it often is the root of all kinds of evil.

Q: What is Paul’s solution to the problem?
CONTENTMENT


“... being satisfied in whose you are, who you are, and what you have. Those who love and serve Jesus can be truly content. Those who love and serve money can never be.”
—Randy Alcorn


Story: 96 year old woman with great faith:
Chaplain:
"Is there anything you could use prayer for?"

Patient:
"I’m 96, I have people caring for me. I have a wonderful family. I’ve lived a good life. I have a warm bed, a roof over my head and a God who promises that the best is still coming for me. I can’t think of anything I need prayer for that I haven’t had, or currently have, or will have.
But, how can I pray for you?
I’m the one with some time left on my hands.”


TWO FACETS OF THE DISCIPLINE OF CONTENTMENT THAT LEADS TO GENEROSITY

1. GIVE our resources away.

2. SIMPLIFY our life,


“There are two ways to get enough. One is to continue to accumulate more and more. The other is to desire less.”
—G.K. Chesterton


33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

33 Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
Matthew 6:33 (MSG)

“An inward reality of single-hearted focus upon God and [his] kingdom, which results in an outward lifestyle of modesty, openness, and unpretentiousness and which disciplines our hunger for status, glamor, and luxury.”
—Richard Foster; Freedom of Simplicity


Narrow your possessions, expenses, activities, and socialobligations to a point in which you can spend your time and energygenerously in those areas. You will find more joy as you invest in fewer things and have more passion to livethemout as an embodied child of God freely living in his Kingdom every day without reservation.
—Pastor Donnie’s personal challenge


5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, . . .”
Hebrews 13:5a (ESV)

“a joyful life of carefree unconcern for possessions.”
—Richard Foster

5 . . .for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5b (ESV)

Bottom Line:
Ultimately, what we are searching for in money can only be found in God.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith; The Paradox of Generosity


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster: The Freedom of Simplicity



14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)


BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.



22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?
If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.


“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith; The Paradox of Generosity


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster: The Freedom of Simplicity



14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)


BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.



22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?
If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.


“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith; The Paradox of Generosity


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster: The Freedom of Simplicity



14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)


BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.



22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?
If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.


“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith; The Paradox of Generosity


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster: The Freedom of Simplicity



14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)


BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.



22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?
If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.


“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith;


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster: The Freedom of Simplicity



14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)


BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.



22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?
If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.


“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith;


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster



14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)


BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.



22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?
If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.


“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith;


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster



14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)


BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.



22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?
If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.


“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith;


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster;



14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)


BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.



22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?
If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.


“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith;


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster;



John the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved” . . . said this about Jesus . . .
14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)


BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.



22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?
If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.


“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith;


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster;



John the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved” . . . said this about Jesus . . .
14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)


BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.



22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?
If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.


“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith;


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster;



John the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved” . . . said this about Jesus . . .
14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)

For Jesus,
Money is ultimately about our hearts.

BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.



22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?
If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.


“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith;


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster;



John the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved” . . . said this about Jesus . . .
14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)

For Jesus,
Money is ultimately about our hearts.

BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.



22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?
If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.


“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith;


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster;



John the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved” . . . said this about Jesus . . .
14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)

For Jesus,
Money is ultimately about our hearts.

BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.


Example: JJ Redick (Coach of the LA Lakers) - video


22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?
If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.


“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith;


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster;



John the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved” . . . said this about Jesus . . .
14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)

For Jesus,
Money is ultimately about our hearts.

BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.


Example: JJ Redick (Coach of the LA Lakers) - video


22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?
If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.


“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith;


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster;



John the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved” . . . said this about Jesus . . .
14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)

For Jesus,
Money is ultimately about our hearts.

BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.


Example: JJ Redick (Coach of the LA Lakers) - video


22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?

If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.


“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith;


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster;



John the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved” . . . said this about Jesus . . .
14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)

For Jesus,
Money is ultimately about our hearts.

BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.


Example: JJ Redick (Coach of the LA Lakers) - video


22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?

If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus’
command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.


“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith;


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster;



John the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved” . . . said this about Jesus . . .
14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)

For Jesus,
Money is ultimately about our hearts.

BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.


Example: JJ Redick (Coach of the LA Lakers) - video


22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?

If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus’
command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.


“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith;


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster;



John the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved” . . . said this about Jesus . . .
14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)

For Jesus,
Money is ultimately about our hearts.

BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.


Example: JJ Redick (Coach of the LA Lakers) - video


22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?

If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus’
command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.


“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith;


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster;



John the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved” . . . said this about Jesus . . .
14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)

For Jesus,
Money is ultimately about our hearts.

BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.


Example: JJ Redick (Coach of the LA Lakers) - video


22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?

If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus’
command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


Forgiving is an expression of giving ….

II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.



“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith;


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster;



John the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved” . . . said this about Jesus . . .
14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)

For Jesus,
Money is ultimately about our hearts.

BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.


Example: JJ Redick (Coach of the LA Lakers) - video


22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?

If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus’
command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


Forgiving is an expression of giving ….


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.



“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith;


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster;



John the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved” . . . said this about Jesus . . .
14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)

For Jesus,
Money is ultimately about our hearts.

BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.


Example: JJ Redick (Coach of the LA Lakers) - video


22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?

If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus’
command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


Forgiving is an expression of giving ….


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.



“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to
the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith;


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster;



John the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved” . . . said this about Jesus . . .
14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)

For Jesus,
Money is ultimately about our hearts.

BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.


Example: JJ Redick (Coach of the LA Lakers) - video


22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?

If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus’
command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


Forgiving is an expression of giving ….


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.



“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to
the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith;


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster;



John the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved” . . . said this about Jesus . . .
14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)

For Jesus,
Money is ultimately about our hearts.

BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.


Example: JJ Redick (Coach of the LA Lakers) - video


22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?

If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus’
command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


Forgiving is an expression of giving ….


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.



“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to
the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025

Sermon Summary: "The Rhythm of Generosity"
This week's message explores the transformative power of generosity in our lives and faith. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace a rhythm of giving that reflects the heart of God. Drawing from Scripture, we’ll discover how generosity shapes our character, blesses others, and deepens our trust in God's provision. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are called to live open-handedly, participating in God's work in the world. Join us as we learn how to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that brings joy, freedom, and purpose.

35In all things I have shown you that by workinghard in this way we must helptheweak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)


“blessed” is μακάριος (makarios)
in Greek, and it means “happy, fortunate, well-off, or lucky.”



“People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others … the data examined here shows this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”
—Hilary Davidson and Christian Smith;


“The unreasoned boast abounds that the good life is found in accumulation, that “more is better.” Indeed, we often accept this notion without question, with the result that the lust for affluence in contemporary society has become psychotic: it has completely lost touch with reality.”
—Richard Foster;



John the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved” . . . said this about Jesus . . .
14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generousinside and out, true from start to finish. 15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
John 1:14–15 (MSG)

Scripture Focus
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:19–24 (ESV)


21 For where your treasureis, there your heartwillbe also.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV)

For Jesus,
Money is ultimately about our hearts.

BOTTOM LINE
Our Heart Follows Our Money.


Example: JJ Redick (Coach of the LA Lakers) - video


22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)


ABUNDANCE MINDSET VS. SCARCITY MINDSET


How do you see the world?

If you had absolute assurance that God would provide enough for you, how would that change your relationship to money and generosity?


24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannotserve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)



I. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about how to see God and our life in God’s world.

A biblical theology of generosity does not start with tithing or even with Jesus’
command to “be generous to the poor.”

It starts, before time and space, with
(#1) Who God is. God is “our Father.”

(#2) Generosity is woven through the library of Scripture.

(#3) Generosity is at the heart of the Gospel itself!


The Father gave the Son:

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)


The Son gave his life:

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)


The Father and Son gave the Holy Spirit:

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 (ESV)


Forgiving is an expression of giving ….


II. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the architecture of our hearts.



“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will
help straighten out almost every other area in his life.”
—Billy Graham


III. Jesus is teaching his apprentices about the practice of generosity.


Bottom Line:
Generosity is a practice by which we transform our hearts from a scarcity mentality to
the abundance mentality of Jesus.

Generosity Teaching 01:
The Joy of Giving Over Receiving
1.12.2025