Sermon Notes
Rhythms of the Church
- All about Jesus
- Kingdom Minded
- Spirit Filled
- Witness
- Prayer
- Leadership
- Diversity
- Preaching
- Generosity
Generous Response
Please turn to Acts 2:42-47, pg. 911 in the pew Bibles. PRAY
- Summery of what we have seen and will see as the church learns to be the church.
- They actually lived what they believed and… what happened?
- Awe- People were astounded and a little afraid because it tapped into something
- People saw the church being the church and got saved
- Why?
It was a RESPONSE.
- The disciples were responding to the resurrected Jesus and Spirit
- People were responding to the church.
- Gospel.
- Guilt, Grace, Gratitude.
- Law, Gospel, Spirit VS. Law, Gospel, Law
- What does life look like after you have become a Christian?
- What is biblical sanctification?
SLIDE-He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14
- Who are you trying to be like as a Christian?
- The Pharisee or the tax collector?
- Jesus wants you to be like the tax collector…
It’s a response! The entire Christian life? Yes.
SLIDE- “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. Matthew 10:7-8
How do we respond? How did you receive?
GENEROUS
1. Relationally
- vs. 44- They were together
- vs. 46- going to church and around the dinner table
- vs. 47- Worshiping together
- What have you been freely given relationally?
- Right relationship with God, Spirit dwells within, more love than you could imagine, etc.
- How much did you pay for that?
- Freely you received, freely give
- What have you been freely given relationally?
a. Simplify your life to create space in your life for others
SLIDE- So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. 1 Thessalonians 2:8
2. Possessions vs. 44-45
- What can you make claim as “yours”?
- “That’s mine, no one can touch it.”
- Kids, “You’re grounded”, “you can’t, grandma gave me that”
- We do the same thing with God
- “You can’t take that from me, I earned that!”
- We can make no claim to anything we own, but yet, what do we have?
SLIDE-One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:24-25
a. Be open handed with what you have.
Freely you received, freely give
3. Money
- vs. 45 “distributing the proceeds”
- They took they’re money and gave it away.
- It wasn’t communist or a hippie commune… it was Christian community! It was a response!!!
- They actually believed that we give our lives to what Jesus gave his life for… The Church.
SLIDE- You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11
a. Start somewhere, start today.
Freely you received, freely give. It is a Generous Response.
