Radical Generosity and the Kingdom of God

Introduction

• Radical generosity is a response to God's nature.
• Many activities and events are happening in the church, especially in December.
• Advent devotionals are being provided to families with children.

Celebrating Christmas

• Christmas celebrates the arrival of Jesus on Earth to rescue, forgive, and restore.
• Tools are being provided to help families disciple their children through Advent.

Kingdom Culture

• The final topic in the series is radical generosity.
• God's kingdom culture often feels upside down compared to the world's culture.
• Radical generosity is a key element of God's kingdom culture.

The Garden vs. The Bakery

• The Garden:

  • God initially placed humanity in a garden filled with abundance.
  • Life in the garden was a reflection of work without worry.
  • God provided everything needed, and there was no scarcity.

• The Bakery:

  • Due to sin, humanity moved from a garden of abundance to a world of scarcity.
  • The world now resembles a bakery where resources are limited.
  • People live with a scarcity mindset, leading to self-protection and hoarding.

Living Generously

• Jesus' teachings invite us back to living like we're in the garden.
• Radical generosity reflects God's generous nature.
• Generosity is not just about money; it's about living open-handed.

Biblical Examples

• Genesis 2: God provides abundantly in the garden.
• Matthew 6: Jesus teaches not to worry about material needs.
• 2 Corinthians 9: God promises to provide and multiply resources for generosity.

Practical Steps to Generosity

• Live open-handed and trust in God's provision.
• Generosity is not about having enough; it's about trusting God is enough.
• Practical actions include:
  • Carrying cash for spontaneous acts of generosity.
  • Leaving generous tips to reclaim the church’s reputation.
  • Being generous with time, energy, wisdom, and resources.

Spiritual Insight

• Generosity is a reflection of our trust in God's provision.
• Spiritual multiplication: God can do more with our generosity than we can with what we hold onto.
• Examples of faith and multiplication in the Bible:
  • Mustard seeds, loaves and fishes, the widow's offering.

Conclusion

• Satan's lie is that God isn't providing enough.
• Radical generosity is living in the trust and abundance of God's kingdom.
• As Christians, we are called to live differently and reflect the Garden's abundance in a world of scarcity.

Final Prayer

• Pastors are invited to pray over the congregation for the ability to live generously and trust in God's provision.