Radical Generosity: Embracing God's Kingdom Culture

Introduction

• Radical generosity is more than an action; it's a response to God's nature.
• Events and resources available for families in December to help disciple children through Advent devotionals.
• Reminder of Christmas celebration: the King is here, Jesus came to rescue and restore.

Kingdom Culture Conversation

• Last week of discussing the culture of God's kingdom.
• God's kingdom feels upside down compared to the world's culture.
• Radical generosity is the final element being discussed.

What is Radical Generosity?

• God's heart is radically generous.
• It is an invitation for us to live generously.
• Not a financial discussion, but a lifestyle conversation.

Biblical Reference: Acts 20

• "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
• Often agreed with but not always practiced.

Garden vs. Bakery Analogy

God's Original Design (Garden)

• God placed Adam and Eve in Eden.
• A garden filled with plenty and abundance.
• Work without worry, God provided everything they needed.

Post-Sin World (Bakery)

• Sin introduced scarcity, moving from abundance to a "bakery" world.
• Scarcity mindset: hoarding and self-protection.
• Marketing exploits scarcity fears.

Living in God's Provision

God's Character

• God loved the world and gave His only Son (John 3:16).
• Jesus ushers in a New Testament garden through His kingdom.

Sermon on the Mount

• Matthew 6: Do not worry about your life, God provides.
• Inviting believers back to a "garden" mindset.

Practical Living in Radical Generosity

Generous People Perspectives

1. Open-Handed Living

   • Trust in God's provision, not wealth.
   • 1 Timothy 6: Be generous with good deeds.

2. Start with What You Have

   • Generosity begins with current resources.
   • Practical actions: carry cash, be generous with time, skills, and resources.

3. Trust in God's Multiplication

   • Trust that God multiplies resources.
   • 2 Corinthians 9: God supplies and increases resources for generosity.

Conclusion

• Radical generosity reflects our belief in God.
• Live generously as evidence of faith.
• God's invitation: Trust and test His provision in generosity.

Call to Action

• During Thanksgiving, embrace the spirit of generosity.
• Remind yourself of God's promise to provide abundantly.