Evangelism & Generosity
Acts
2:41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Evangelism is proclaiming and living the good news of salvation found through Christ alone
Acts
2:42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Proskartereō - being dedicated to some activity despite difficulty
Ephesians
5:25Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
The church is people
Ekklesia - out-calling, a called-out congregation
Acts
2:43Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.
Acts
2:45They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
Generosity is living a life that matches the giving nature of God by outrageously and joyfully giving of our time our treasures and our talents to help bring heaven to earth
Acts
2:46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Evangelism and generosity go hand in hand
Generosity is an attitude of love that flows from our hearts into the actions of our life.
Mother Teresa
“Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go.”
Without generosity the Gospel is grounded.
The greatest enemy to Generosity in your life is fear.
Generosity is living a life that matches the giving nature of God
John
3:16For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son
You look like God when you are generous.
Ephesians 5:1-2
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
Matthew 10:7
As you go, proclaim this message:‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
Proverbs
11:25Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
#1 Be Generous With Your Time
Ephesians
5:15-16 Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
#2 Be Generous With Encouragement
Proverbs
18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death.
“Power of the tongue” = under the direction, or control of.
ENCOURAGE
“to put courage in”… “to lift the spirit”
Hebrews
3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
#3 Be Generous With Honor
Romans
12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
#4 Be Generous With Your Forgiveness
Ephesians
4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
The key to forgiveness is not forgive and forget it’s forgive and remember.
John
15:13Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
#5 Be Generous With Your Assistance
Martin Luther - “A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing, is worth nothing.”
#6 Be Generous With Your Stories
1 Peter
3:15 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have
Anna Grace Taylor
Your story could be the key that unlocks someone else’s prison. Don’t be afraid to share it.
#7 Be Generous With Your Money
Luke
12:32Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
John
10:10My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.