5 June 2011 - ENCS

Pastor Larry spoke while I was far away
A rhyming title he gave his sermon that day
“Don’t be in lack”
“God’s got your back”
For in the midst of trials east and west
Pastor said that we can still be blessed
Three key points he went on to make
All linked to “it is better to give than to take”

The first point was to “give to God first”
Even if in a severe trial we are immersed
For in 2 Corinthians 8:2,5 Paul did say
Trials and poverty did not get in the way
Their “overflowing joy” was the key
Leading to an evident “rich generosity”
Four equations for life Pastor then did share
All of which prove that our God really does care
They apply whether we are a girl or a boy
All start with trials and overflowing joy
The first equation takes trials, joy, and poverty
Which God repays with “rich generosity”
The second takes sickness and results in “mighty healing”
Then from suffering, “strong worship” is revealing
Lastly, persecution leads to “righteous victory” at length
By focusing on God, His joy will surely be our strength
Paul was an example of this in the New Testament
Despite hardships, full of joy and true contentment
Pastor said that a focus on possessions can lead to a mess
Making us discontented with what God for us does bless
To Psalm 37 verses 25 and 26 he then referred
From the generous righteous, blessings will not be deferred

The second point was to “give beyond ability”
Pastor read 2 Corinthians 8 from verse three
They gave so willingly and happily
Their joy of giving, others could see
Money will not be an issue, Pastor did impart
If fully devoted to God is our heart
For God is one who we can never outgive
No matter how long we may actually live
Daniel then testified about his experience in Hong Kong
He gave sacrificially; now the church is very strong
In the end, his finances were not stressed
In other words, his generosity had been blessed

The third point was to have the “grace to give”
From faith to joy to love – it is progressive
This is what was evident in 2 Corinthians 8:7
The Macedonian churches were focused on heaven
About tithing, Rachel then shed some light
Over any of our gifts, we have no right
For from God they all have come
So let Him control all, not just some
She mentioned the many blessings Trybe has received
A ten-for-one reverse tithing could be perceived

Anything we give to God is significant to Him, Pastor said
But by comparison what He can give us is miles ahead