14 | Let's Get Liberal, pt. 2
2 Corinthians 8:13-24 | Let's Get Liberal, pt. 2
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Slides:
Getting liberal (from 1 Cor. 16:1-4 & 2 Cor. 8:1-12):
- Is of one’s own accord
- Is according to one’s ability
- Was directed to be planned and regular
- Can be measured in ways other than giving money.
- Is a “gift” of grace.
- Requires understanding what we’ve received.
Romans 15:26-27
For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27 Yes, they were pleased [to do so,] and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things.
Exodus 16:16-20
"This is what the LORD has commanded, 'Gather of it every man as much as he should eat; you shall take an omer apiece according to the number of persons each of you has in his tent.'" 17 The sons of Israel did so, and [some] gathered much and [some] little. 18 When they measured it with an omer, he who had gathered much had no excess, and he who had gathered little had no lack; every man gathered as much as he should eat. 19 Moses said to them, "Let no man leave any of it until morning." 20 But they did not listen to Moses, and some left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and became foul; and Moses was angry with them.
How does the Bible define equality?
Some observations from Ex. 16:16-20
- Everyone gathered
- Some gathered more, some less
- All had what they needed
- It couldn’t be hoarded
- Everything came from above
- They were still in the wilderness
Colossians 4:1
Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.
Matthew 6:19-21
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:31-34
"Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' 32 "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Acts 4:34-35
For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales 35 and lay them at the apostles' feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 12
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all [persons.] 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. ... 12 For even as the body is one and [yet] has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.
Some marks of biblical equality:
- Is not sameness
- Is a sharing in and through our differences
- Everyone does what they can
- Not too much, not too little
- Is voluntary, an act of grace
Administration of the gracious gifts at The Chapel:
- An elder board for financial oversight.
- Constant tracking of internal processes and spending by staff.
- Conservative approach to spending and debt.
- Emphasis on use of volunteer time and talent
- Commitment to generosity.
2 Corinthians 7:4, 16
Great is my confidence in you; great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction. ... 16 I rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you.
2 Corinthians 8:7
But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, [see] that you abound in this gracious work also.