"But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us[a]—see that you also excel in this grace of giving." 2 Corinthians 8:7
Bishop Robert Schnase writes about 5 practices of fruitful congregations. The last of those we talked about on Sunday was "Extravagant Generosity." Paul calls us to give ourselves away for the sake of the gospel. We are called to help make the a broken world, whole.
Here are the main points from Sunday's sermon, in an acronym that spells out HELP.
Heed the compassion command of Jesus.
Empty yourself so that you can be filled by the Holy Spirit.
Lift the burdens of others.
Pay the price.
With Thanksgiving coming, it is important to answer this question. "Lord, do I realize that everything I have is a gift from God. I cam with nothing, and I am leaving with nothing, and in between all I have is yours God."
Let's give ourselves away for the sake of the gospel.
Richard
