They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity (2 Corinthians 8:2, NLT). In 2 Corinthians 8, the Apostle Paul writes to the Macedonians. With famine in Israel, Gentile churches throughout the Roman Empire had pledged offerings to […]
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Let us test and examine our ways and return to the Lord! (Lamentations 3:40, ESV). I was recently asked about the major lessons I’ve learned as a pastor for 49 years. Great question! I answered. . . Every pastor and all Christians will go through three significant tests. The test of faith, the test of spiritual
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Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith (Galatians 6:10, NLT). God gives us opportunities for doing good and if we obey, it changes our lives. When I read the fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5 as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6). Wealth denial. Are you afflicted with this syndrome? Let’s imagine a trillionaire gives you enough money so that you are now in the top one percent of the world’s wealthiest people. I
Black Friday is a good day to talk about a dark topic – the generosity of American Christians. Uh, oh. You might not want to stand in line for hours at the big box store after reading this Interruption. If today’s topic makes you miserable, then send it to all your friends and make them
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Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need (Malachi 3:10, ESV). I think every blessing in
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It is required of stewards that they be found faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2, ESV). Are Christians in America generous? Are you generous? I’ve been considering that the “soon” return of Jesus will be “sooner” than most people expect. And the question that I’ve been asking is a question that Jesus asked, When the Son of
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The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed (Proverbs 11:25, NLT). I’m not naturally generous. There is something about my flesh that inserts a rationalization every time I consider giving money and going out of my way to spend time with a person in need. How about you? I have also
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Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 8:7 I have a natural reluctance when I’m asked to give. Whether of time, talent, or money, my first reaction is “why I can’t” rather than “why I can.” So, God presents opportunities for
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