Generosity Series - Week 1: Our Backyard

Last Sunday at 2|42 we started a 4 week series to celebrate Generosity. To many, it was a surprise to say the least. Some were shocked that we would talk about being generous during such difficult economic times. Some felt it was insensitive. Why?

I think quite the opposite is true. Knowing the difficulties and struggles so many of our friends, family members, and neighbors are facing it seems to me that it would insensitive NOT to talk about it. 

Michigan has been impacted significantly, but many of us are still able to help those in need. Shouldn't we be taking opportunities like these to be even more generous?

As Christ followers, isn't it times like these when we need to put our money where our mouth is? I know I've posted this before but, 2|42 Community Church's name comes from that very concept. 

The Fellowship of the Believers  

 ⁴²They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. ⁴⁴All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 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, ⁴⁷praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. 

These believers were truly Generous! I know that many people think it was easier back then. "They got to live with Jesus, and the apostles". True. But we see miracles all the time. Lives being transformed in Christ. Just ask any of the many people, especially KD (thirdplace), involved in our upcoming Recovery Ministry. 

Here's the thing.... wait, let me introduce you to the blunt Jason..... Here he is: "Many of us walk into church on Sunday mornings after a week filled with the junk of life, with our consumer hats on, and our fake smiles because 'everything is always perfect in our world', and we want to be 'filled up', recharged and spoon-fed, but we don't want to commit. We don't want to get dirty and really live it. Or we say we do, but when it really comes down to it, it's just really...... uncomfortable. We want to feel good when we walk out of those doors". - me (aka: blunt Jason) 

Okay, I'm back.... but seriously - What could make you feel better than living out that scripture verse up there?

Watch this video we showed on week 1 of the series (I was pretty pumped because I got to help out and this was the first full video I got to make for a service. I'm the music guy remember?) :-)

 

You hit the nail on the head Ray!!! I can't wait for the rest of this series and to witness and experience the outpouring of Generosity from our church! We definitely have the capacity, both financially and spiritually - we just need to commit to living out what Christ designed. We need to commit to The fellowship of the Believers.