"Managing money is a profoundly spiritual topic." Steven Bell

Excerpt:10-25% of American Christians tithe- American Christians are only

giving 2.5% of income per capita- While during the great depression, they were giving 3.3% The article goes on to say, that if American Christians gave at the 10% rate…- Est. $165 billion for churches to use- $25 billion could relieve global hunger, starvation and deaths from preventable diseases in five years.- $12 billion could eliminate illiteracy in five years. - $15 billion could solve the world’s water and sanitation issues, specifically at places in the world where 1 billion people live on less than $1 per day. - $1 billion could fully fund all overseas mission work.- $100 – $110 billion would still be left over for additional ministry expansion.

http://archives.relevantmagazine.com/god/church/what-would-happen-if-church-tithed

Radical Generosity requires an understanding that…

God rewards the giver (Law of Sowing and Reaping), vv. 6-7

- Paul reminds them about a farmer who sows seeds.

- The more he sows, the greater his harvest will be. Someone who gives to God is like that farmer.

God is generous (we should be too!), vv. 8-9

- God gives sufficiency for generosity

- Paul repeats Psalm 112:9. God will give us all that we need.

God is the eternal giver, vv. 10-11

- 1st God supplies the seeds to sow (or the resources)

- Not only does God supply the seeds, but gives the increase

"Martin Luther said, ‘Good works do not save us. But we do not have salvation if we do not have them."

1) TRUST GOD WITH THE TITHE. (Lev. 27:30)

2) PLAN YOUR GENEROSITY. (Isa 32:8)

3) START BEING GENEROUS NOW. (Philemon 1:6)

Scripture Refs: Mark 8:27-33; Acts 7:51; Matthew 25; Romans 8:31, John 19:15