Newland Christian Church Newland Christian Church

"The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." - Mark 1:1

Mark wrote a "Gospel". As did Matthew, Luke, and John. The term literally means "good news". It means that Mark, as well as the other Gospel writers simply had a story to tell. Why is it that our anger keeps us from telling a joyful story sometimes? What keeps us from joyfully recounting the good news of our encounter with Jesus?

GO DEEPER: Psalm 96:1-13

Jesus said to His followers that they would be witnesses, but what did He mean? He means someone who is willing to talk about and share the news of their encounter with Jesus.

"About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice." - Paul (Acts 22:6-7)

GO DEEPER: Acts 22:1-21

"Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full - pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." - Luke 6:38

God honors a cheerful giver...but our motives are everything. Why are you giving? Is it because you want to receive more back than you give? That is the wrong reason to be giving...may we give without ulterior motive.

GO DEEPER: Mark 12:41-44

The most we will find in God's Word on giving is found in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. Paul commends the Macedonian Christians for their cheerful and sacrificial work of giving. What motivated them?

"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 9:7

Is giving joyful for you?

GO DEEPER: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15; 9:6-8

"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce." - Proverbs 3:9

Generosity is clearly one of the marks of a devoted follower of Christ, but where should our support be given? 

How can we best serve through giving today?

GO DEEPER: 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19

"The people rejoiced over the offerings, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord, and King David was filled with joy." - 1 Chronicles 29:9

Israelites were required a tithe (usually a tenth) of their yearly wage, another for a holy festival, and another every three years...but Jesus emphasized that it must also be accompanied by a spirit of generosity. What maybe should be our driving force is not so much what we should give, but what should we keep?

GO DEEPER: Malachi 3:6-12