In this, our 5th message through the series "#stewards," Dr. Buffy Cook continues to work through our acrostic G.I.F.T.E.D. Having examined the G (Gospel) and I (tIme) we now will spend 3 weeks on the F (Finances). In this the first of 3 messages on being Stewards of Finances we look at the "Prelude to Giving" (2 Cor. 8:1-9). Is it just me or does it seem that by & large the Church's teaching on this subject is ALL JACKED UP?! Pastors often resort to spiritual extortion; People often give just to get! What should we believe, teach, live out?! The largest block of teaching on this subject in the NT is found in 2 Cor. 8-9. There Paul appeals to the highest spiritual level possible - giving is an act of grace from beginning to end. NT model = bountiful giving as a mark of true grace rooted in the sublime expression of the greatest act of grace ever known - the gift too wonderful for words, that of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 8:9, Phil. 2:5-11). As we begin this 3 week journey to becoming "Grace Givers," grab your Bible, notebook & pen and turn to 2 Cor. 8.
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