King Jesus: High and Lifted Up (An Ascension Day Sermon)

KING JESUS: HIGH AND LIFTED UP

 

This Tuesday, May 27, 2025, King Charles III will open the Canadian Parliament with a throne speech. He will ascend the throne of Canada and say something that will, in effect, affirm the sovereignty of Canada as a dominion in its own right. Our prime minister deliberately orchestrated this speech as a sign to the US president that we are not going to be the 51^ststate of anything. We are Canada! True North!

            This Thursday, May 29, 2025, the global Church of Christ will celebrate the Day of Ascension. This is the 40^thday after Jesus’ resurrection when he ascended into heaven to take his place at the right hand of the Father. It was his coronation day. It was the day he sat down to rule his kingdom. The ascension of Jesus to his throne in heaven makes a statement too. Jesus began his ministry saying, “the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel.” With his ascension, the kingdom of God is realized.

            But with Jesus ascending into heaven, we may feel as far removed from King Jesus as Canada is from King Charles. Back in the 80s when Queen Elizabeth came to North America, it cost 20 million dollars to bring her here. That is to say, it was a huge cost, a great effort, a big deal. It begs the same question the disciples must have asked, “What is the benefit of having a king in heaven when we need him here?” In other words, how does the ascension of Jesus help us? Why does it matter to us here in the tiny village of Rosenort?

            To answer this, let’s look at Acts 1:1-11. Here, Luke begins this history of the church with Christ’s final conversation with the apostles. In verse 3 we read that Jesus spent 40 days following his resurrection demonstrating that he was alive and talking about the kingdom of God. Then he makes this promise: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit,” (4-5). 

1. The True Nature of the Kingdom (6-8)

 

What question would you ask Jesus before he leaves? Would you ask about the Holy Spirit and how he will work in you?

            The apostles have something different on their minds. They surround Jesus and ask a very human and a very Jewish question. “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” (6). Wrong question. There are three assumptions in this question that completely miss out on what the kingship of Jesus means. 

            First, “at this time” reveals their expectation of an immediate realization of Christ’s kingdom. Like “poof,” the next day, there’s the kingdom.

            Second, the word “restore” carries the expectation of a renewal of Israel as a political and territorial nation. It is the ancient hope of Jews that they will once again rise up as a nation of prominence among other nations.

            And third, they expected that this kingdom would be ethnically Jewish. In short, they expected that the kingdom of God would be immediate, physical, and Jewish.

            Jesus answers this question first that it’s “nunya” as in “it’s nunya bizness.” That’s his answer to the “when” part of the question. His answer reveals the true nature of the kingdom of God, however. He says the Father will set the times for its fulfillment, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth,” (8). The timing for seeing the kingdom become reality is in God’s hands.

            What they will receive is power to be Christ’s witnesses. In this, Jesus reveals that the kingdom will be spiritual in character. It’s not about seizing Gaza; it’s not about territory; the kingdom of God is about transforming hearts. And you need the Holy Spirit to do that. 

            The kingdom of God is not confined to one race either. It is going to move out from Jerusalem into Judea, then Samaria (to those old enemies of the Jews), and to the ends of the earth (to all kinds of non-Jews). Do you know, I heard this week, that there are people in Rosenort who resent the fact that non-Mennonites are moving into our community? We have the world coming to us, to know Christ in our midst, and we have people worried about ruining our community. If we don’t go and share Jesus out there, God will bring people to us. 

            But what we see of the kingdom in Jesus words is the opposite of what the disciples thought it was. They thought it was immediate, physical, and Jewish. Jesus responds that it is actually gradual (starting in Jerusalem and spreading out in time and space), spiritual (transforming hearts and lives with the values of the kingdom), and international (Jews and Gentiles). 

            The promise of presence and power are only possible if Jesus ascends to the Father. In fact, Jesus becomes more present to us only if he ascends to heaven. While he was with the disciples, he was confined to one place at a time. Being fully human, he couldn’t be everywhere. But with this ascension, he opens the door to the all-present Holy Spirit who empowers us to be witnesses of his kingdom.

            As Jesus promised, we have been baptized with the Holy Spirit. The word baptize is a very “wet” word. If a ship sinks, we could correctly say that it is baptized. If you boil cucumbers and submerge them in brine, you could truthfully say they are baptized. If you hit the target on a dunk tank and plunge me into the murky water below, you have baptized me. For that word means to drench, soak, immerse and Jesus says that it is with the strength and wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit that we have been drenched, soaked, and immersed. 

            Jesus said, “Wait for him.” Wait for the Holy Spirit. I’m not always good at waiting. I’m impatient when something good is coming. I want it now, like the disciples wanting the kingdom immediately. As churches we rush ahead with our plans. Jesus says, wait for the Spirit. Wait for God’s timing. Wait for the Spirit’s timing. 

2. The Mission of the King’s People (9-11)

 

Jesus ascends to heaven after saying these things. Visibly, the disciples see Jesus lifted up. This was necessary for them to see. In the ancient way of understanding heaven and earth, heaven was “up.” 

            During the 40 days Jesus spent with the disciples, he appeared, disappeared, and reappeared. Now, Jesus needed them to know his departure was final and that they should wait for the Holy Spirit. And when he came, they should get on with the mission. 

            Five times in verses 9-11 we read that Jesus was taken up into the sky. It must have been a sight. If you enjoy watching planes take off at the airport, you get a sense of how mesmerizing it can be. But then two men we assume to be angels break into their wonderment, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven,” (11).

            What are you looking at? Some Christians are obsessed with End Times prophecy, how the world will end, how the politics of our day indicate a coming apocalypse. I will say this cautiously: That’s not a bad thing, but it’s not the main thing. Jesus is the main thing. Telling people about the life-changing, amazing, God-forgives-us-of-our sins, good news of Christ is the main thing. Eschatology is a third level priority (it’s not even a second-place priority). It’s a “nunya.”

            Luke ended his gospel account with these words from Jesus, “…and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations…” (24:47). And following the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts, Peter preaches to the crowds, and they respond with “what do we do now?” And he says, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,” (2:38).

            What’s our mission? That’s our mission. We are so scared of that word “repentance,” I don’t think we mention it much. I know I am guilty of this omission. We talk easily about the forgiveness of God because that it an easy sell to our friends and neighbors. But the Holy Spirit empowers us to say, “Hey folks, if you believe in Jesus, change the direction of your life and follow Jesus.” That’s the mission – to help people go the right way in life. 

            When my wife and I were in Europe last June, our tour leader tried to lead us through some construction barricades, places we weren’t supposed to go. It was actually dangerous what he was doing. And a citizen of Zurich started swearing at us and telling us “Lousy tourists” to grab a brain or go home. Use the underpass knuckleheads (my paraphrase). Our leader repented of his “wrong ways” and took us the right way.

            Jesus has shown us the way. Jesus has given us power and authority through his ascension to help people find the way. That’s the mission of the kingdom: To preach repentance that leads to forgiveness.

            

Do you see it in this passage? Did you notice the disciples’ errors? Both times they had faulty vision.

            First, they were too earthy, too political in their thinking about the kingdom. The second time, they were too heavenly minded, too pietistic, staring into the sky. 

            The question the ascension of Jesus asks us this: What are you looking at? What are you focusing the eyes of your faith on? 

            The follow-up question is this: What are you doing? We have a mission to tell people about the kingdom of God, to bear witness to the reign and rule of Christ. 

            There is an ancient legend about Jesus’ ascension into heaven.

He is met by the angel Gabriel who asks him, "Now that your work is finished, what plans have you made to ensure that the truth that you brought to earth will spread throughout the world?"

Jesus answered, "I have called some fishermen and tax-collectors to walk along with me as I did my Father’s will."

"          Yes, I know about them," said Gabriel, "but what other plans have you made? "

Jesus replied, "I taught Peter, James and John about the kingdom of God; I taught Thomas about faith; and all of them were with me as I healed and preached to the multitudes."

Gabriel replied. "But you know how unreliable that lot was. Surely you must have other plans to make sure your work was not in vain."

Jesus quietly replied to Gabriel "I have no other plans. I am depending on them!! "

 

                                                            AMEN

Does This Earth Matter? (Series: Living Generously - Embracing God's Gifts)

DOES THIS EARTH MATTER?

 

“The earth is the LORD’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it…” (Ps. 24:1).

            Compare this statement with the common belief of some Christians who respond to “creation care” with “But it’s all going to burn up anyways.” We read in the Bible of the apocalypse and how the elements will pass away with a roar and wonder if this earth matters.

            If we are honest, our eyes roll back into our heads when we hear environmentalists talk about saving the earth. I confess too that the talk of “global warming” and Greta Thunberg ranting about how we have destroyed her future makes me tired. Our world is consumed with the earth to the degree that it seems like idolatry, worshiping the earth, and that alone causes Christians to reject talk of creation care.

            But the earth is the LORD’s…What does the Bible say our attitude ought to be with respect to the earth? 

            A native leader by the name of Chief Seattle spoke to US officials in 1854 saying, “All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth. People did not weave the earth; they are merely strands in it. The earth does not belong to mankind; mankind belongs to the earth. Whatever they do to the web of life they do to themselves. Continue to contaminate your bed and you will one night suffocate in your own waste. The earth is precious to the creator and to harm the earth is to heap contempt on its creator.” 

            In the speech, Seattle not only talked about fouling God’s creation, but also about how the connected are the land, the people, and God. This sounds very close to the OT teaching on God and the gift of the land to God’s people. 

            Time, talents, and money are given to us as a trust by God to care for, use, invest, and grow. The earth is also a gift to us and the Bible teaches us what it means to God.

 

1. Humanity’s Role in Creation (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15)

 

God’s creation is beautiful. As Chief Seattle observed, it is intricately woven with the threads of the natural world, human beings, and all living things. God created it all, the whole world and everything in it. And he entrusted this amazing creation to humans. 

            This interwovenness is seen in Genesis. First God creates the basic elements of life, fills the land, sea, and skies with creatures. Then God creates the pinnacle of creation - humankind:

"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.'

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground,'" 

(Genesis 1:26-28).

 I say “pinnacle” with humility because humankind is given the ability to think, reason, and be responsible. 

            This text shapes and charges us with our interpretation of stewardship. It also begs a lot of questions like, “What does it mean to be created in God’s likeness?” I believe that stewardship and being created in God’s likeness are very closely related.

            What does it mean to be made in God’s image? An image may make you think of a statue. Kings and great leaders would set up statues around their kingdoms and territories to remind their subjects who is in power. An image is a physical representation of the king. We are the image of God on earth. Part of what offends God when Israel makes a golden calf or other image is that it replaces the image God has already set up: you and me. If we are the image of God on earth, living reminders of the Creator who is the King of the universe, what does that say about our role in creation? It means that we have been given the responsibility of representing God in the midst of God’s creation. 

            As stewards we have been given dominion over the earth. The words “rule” and “subdue” are used in our text to speak of this dominion. It means to “tread down” but that’s misleading. It doesn’t mean to exploit or destroy, it means to exercise care and responsibility for God’s domain, specifically to care for the poor and marginalized. That’s the role Adam is given in Genesis 2:15, “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Stewardship is at the heart of this command. As God’s image bearers they were to reflect the heart of a benevolent God to the world in a caring and wise way.

            Caring for the environment is important. But the motivation for creation care is found in worshiping the Creator. We care for God’s creation precisely because it is God’s creation. 

 

2. The Result of Sin on Creation (Romans 8:18-22)

 

The world is a messy place. Tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and rising sea levels threaten everything we have built. Not to mention forest fires. For the most part, we are fortunate in Manitoba to experience only one or two of those disasters. 

            I am not wise enough to correlate the cause-effect of human abuse of creation and the consequent disasters. But I do know biblically that human sin is the reason for our unpredictable world. Adam and Eve sinned. We continue to sin. Greed and exploitation of earth’s resources bring many troubles. And the earth suffers.

            The Apostle Paul described the effects of sin on creation and how creation responds in Roman 8 (see slide). Note that “creation” appears four times in this text and speaks to a future hope:

The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. Why? Paul talked about our present sufferings, how we struggle with sin, with the pain of life in a cursed world, with the people rejecting our faith in Christ. And he says this isn’t worth comparing with the glory to come when Jesus returns. But even creation waits for the children of God to be revealed. The mountains, streams, fields, bunnies, lions – everything in creation – is waiting for us to be glorified when Jesus comes, because then creation will be cared for properly.

For the creation was subjected to frustration…vanity is another word translated here sometimes. Perhaps Paul was thinking of Genesis 3:17-19 where God says to Adam that because he listened to his wife, thorns and thistles infest the ground. Perhaps it was Adam’s vanity in thinking he could be like God. “Frustration” could also mean “ineffectiveness” in that creation is not doing what it’s supposed to do because humans aren’t doing their part. Humans are the chief actors in the drama of God’s praise and if we fail to contribute our part, creation as a whole suffers.

The hope of creation is that it will be set free from its bondage to decay. Sin has done this. And Paul’s implication is that as a creation of God, the earth has been robbed of its divinely appointed right to be treated with respect. It is God’s after all. As Christians we focus so much on our salvation from sin and our “next life” in eternity we scarcely consider this aspect. Jesus is going to free us from sin surely, but also all of creation from its slow death at the hands of humanity.

The whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. There is hope. Perhaps the hurricanes and tremors are an indication that the baby is kicking and about to be born. Though the earth is groaning and suffering, there is a promise of new birth. When we who trust in Jesus are finally redeemed, the earth will experience redemption also. 

 

3. The Restoration Includes Creation (Colossians 1:15-20)

 

So, does “matter” matter? Too often in our Christianity, we have been suspicious of environmentalism. It seems idolatrous. It seems to elevate the trees and animals above humankind. One of them said he would rather kill a man than harm a woodland creature. 

            But Christianity goes too far the other way at times. There is a story of a Puritan walking along the road with a friend who remarked, “There’s a lovely flower.” And the Puritan answered, “I have learned to call nothing lovely in this lost and sinful world.” That isn’t just unchristian, it’s heresy.

            At the time Paul wrote to the Colossians, there were these intellectuals who wanted to turn Christianity into a philosophy. They believed that matter was completely evil and that only things of the spirit were good. That meant that creation was evil and nothing physical was good. Even Jesus, if he was the Son of God, could not have been a physical person because matter is evil. Jesus must have been a spirit. 

            To answer this, Paul wrote, “He (Christ) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him,” (15-17).

            There’s that word “image” again. Jesus is the perfect representation of what God is like. He perfectly represents God to us in a form that we can see and know and understand. Where we failed to rule over creation, Jesus succeeds because he not only obeys the Father’s intention for creation, but he is also the one who created all things.

            Paul says “by him and for him” which means Jesus was the agent through which God created (John 1:3). And all things were created for him. Creation belongs to Jesus. We could say that humanity lost creation to Satan when we sinned, and that Christ took it back through the cross. But we also have to say that it always belonged to Jesus.

            If creation is Christ’s and all things were created for him and his purposes, then we have to conclude one thing: “matter” matters and when Christ returns, he will restore creation to the Paradise it was meant to be before sin entered the world.

            The NLT puts it simply in Ephesians 1:9-10, “God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ – everything in heaven and on earth,” (1:9-10). 

 

What does a biblical teaching on the stewardship of creation mean for us as Christians in a practical sense?

Reduce – Reuse – Recycle 

            But I would add another “re” word: respect. As in we ought to respect the Creator and his creation as gifts given for his glory. Conservation is God’s idea. Environmental care is God’s idea. Ecological justice is God’s idea. They were his intention when he first said, “Let there be light.” 

            The difference between the follower of Jesus and the environmentalist is motivation. The environmentalist who wants to save the planet has everything to lose if the planet is destroyed. Their hope and future is a green earth for the sake of a green earth. And I have seen documents that propose eradicating human presence to do it. Abortion activists are deeply connected to sustainability principles of the earth. 

            For the Christian, our motivation is to glorify God and honor him by protecting, preserving and sustaining his creation. It is like the parable in Luke 12:42-46 where the master returns having left his possessions in the hands of his servants. The master will come and ask what they have done with what he left them. 

            Pope Francis in 2015 made a statement that implied every believer’s responsibility is ecological conservation. He said, “The violence present in our hearts, wounded by sin, is also reflected in the symptoms of sickness evident in the soil, in the water, in the air and in all forms of life. This is why the earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor; she ‘groans in travail’ (Romans 8:22).” 

            God has left us with a charge to look after his Son’s creation until he comes to claim it for himself. How is God calling us to take part in this?

                                                            AMEN

The Joy of Kingdom Giving (Series: Living Generously - Embracing God's Gifts)

THE JOY OF KINGDOM GIVING

 

Back in the day, in the late 1800s to be exact, orchestra conductors were the “rock stars” of that generation. A certain Hungarian conductor, Arthur Nikisch, was quite popular with the ladies. He had quite the hair. And so, the women besieged him often for a lock of his hair. It seemed that he kept cutting his hair over and over again responding to these requests. He would put the locks in envelopes and sent them all over the world. One of his friends said to him, “At this rate, my friend, you will soon be bald!” To which he replied, “Not I! But my dog will!” 

            Anyone can give. I had originally entitled this sermon, “The Joy of Giving,” but added “Kingdom” when I realized my title was too generic. Bill Gates is reportedly giving 2 billion dollars to charity in the next while, which is wonderful. Anyone can give, Christian or not. What’s important in our giving, is not how much we give, or what we give, but the reason and heart with which we give. 

            We are jumping into the middle of a letter Paul wrote to the Corinthians, so a little background is needed. In 2 Cor. 9:6-15, Paul is reminding the Corinthian church of the collection he is taking up. This is a specific offering. The believers in Jerusalem were in the midst of a famine. By taking up this collection from Gentile churches, Paul hoped to bridge the gap between Jews and Gentiles in Christ’s church. 

            While the situation was specific to that particular event, Paul leaves us with clear teaching about giving and the benefits of giving in the kingdom of God. These guidelines are important reminders for us today with regard to our attitudes towards money.

 

1. Your Giving is an Act of Generosity (9:6)

 

The Corinthians had promised to set aside money for this collection a year ago, but so far, they had not followed up. Paul did not want to shame them but remind them of their promise and the benefits of keeping this promise. 

            From agriculture, Paul used a fairly obvious principle: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously,” (6). Farmers know this: you cannot be shy with seeding canola; you have to sow liberally to expect a good harvest.

            We town people know this too. Two summers ago, Scot Dyck installed underground sprinklers in our lawn and in so doing left bare, grassless trenches. He left a bag of grass seed with me to regrow the grass in those tracks. Scot said he would pick up what I didn’t use later. I scattered the seed and waited. I’m not very patient and when I didn’t see results, I seeded some more. I used almost the whole bag. But it worked. 

            If you sow in a tightfisted manner, you won’t get much of a result. It doesn’t make sense to save your seeds and expect a good result. Hoarding your seeds in the garage “just in case” doesn’t produce grass in your lawn. In agriculture, one seed of wheat can produce 30 to 100 times the amount sown. 

            We see what Paul is saying. Sow generously. Become a person who gives generously for the sake of the kingdom of God. Give in an openhanded spirit and you will reap a bountiful harvest. 

            As one church illustrated this matter of giving, we are all on a spectrum between an emerging giver and an extravagant giver. We are at different places in the spectrum, but Paul tells us “Keep moving to the right.” Make it your goal to become a generous giver. 

            To sow generously is to demonstrate two things: a) “your” money doesn’t belong to you; b) faith in God’s provision.

 

2. Your Giving is an Act of Joyful Intention (9:7)

 

Paul did not want to guilt people into giving to this cause. But even if they gave generously, that was not enough. Paul wanted them to give cheerfully as well. He wrote, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver,” (7). 

            Please note the nuances of this teaching: “Each of you should give…” not because of tradition or guilt, but for your participation in the Spirit. It is your spiritual worship. You should give “what you have decided in your heart,” not according to what someone else thinks you should give. You alone know what God is telling you to do. “Not reluctantly or under compulsion” gives the sense of torture. No! Giving should come from a joyful intention. You decided to give, and you are glad to give because God loves when you give.

            If you give grudgingly, it has the potential of restricting the effect of your giving on you. The Greek word for “cheerful” is “hilarious.” You are to be a hilarious giver – a person who hilariously scatters (like seeds) your finances. There should be a joy that leaps over all your restraints. We don’t give then out of a sense of duty or prestige, but because your heart is so full of joy in the Lord, you can’t help it.

            Randy Alcorn said, “I have found that cheerful givers love God and love him more deeply each time they give. To me, one of the few experiences comparable to the joy of leading someone to Christ is the joy of making wise and generous choices with my money and possessions. Both are supreme acts of worship. Both are exhilarating. Both are what we are made for.” 

            Intentional giving implies a decision. Many today use the principle of tithing in their giving to the church. The idea of tithing comes from the OT where God required the people of Israel to give ten percent of their earnings or produce (wheat or livestock) to the Lord at the Temple. Does this apply to us today? Well, if we were to follow the tithing practices of the OT today, someone suggested with all the tithing required, the average Israelite would have given 30% by the end of the year.

            The NT does not actually directly teach tithing as a practice in the church. It is assumed but never stated. What do I think about tithing, you may ask? Sharon and I practice it with our income as a guiding principle. It helps you consider what to give. But on the other hand, ten percent limits what the Holy Spirit may prompt you to give. For some, ten percent is just not possible and so, again, you must decide how much to give. At one meeting, we were told that if each family gave just under 4000 dollars a year, we would make our budget. Some can meet that easily; others here find that number beyond their means. 

            Let’s not take the joy out of giving with statistics. Rather, consider how your giving honors the Lord.

 

3. Your Giving Reflects the Heart of God (9:8-11)

 

Why give? 

            That’s the question that has plagued Christians for centuries. When it comes to “my money,” I like to have control of what it is used for, where it goes, what happens to it. Right? And sometimes we question how the church or the mission or the organization we contribute to distributes the money. But let’s return to the heart of the question…

            Paul said that God is able to make every blessing abound so that they will abound in every good work (8). In effect, that means that God is the source of all human generosity because God is the One who supplies the blessing. The only reason I can give is because God has given to me. 

            The focus of verses 10-11 is God. He is the source of the Corinthians’ liberal giving. They wouldn’t have anything to give if it wasn’t for him. He supplies the seed that makes the farmer prosperous.

            God will give you what you need so that you can continue to be generous. Have you noticed this about certain people? God gives generous people more so that they can keep giving more. 

            I want to add a word of caution: I am not teaching prosperity gospel here. If you give 100 dollars, do not expect 1000 back. I think we can see that the motivation is already tainted if this is your expectation. 

            Earlier in this letter, Paul gave the prime example of God’s heart in terms of giving. He motivated the Corinthians with this picture, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich,” (8:9). 

            Why do we give? Because it reflects the generous heart of God towards us. Giving is a spiritual indication in your faith that you appreciate what God has done for you in Christ.

 

4. Your Giving is a Blessing to Others (9:12-15)

 

Giving is spiritual worship! It praises the name of Jesus by reflecting his own character. And it benefits others as well.

            Paul mentions four ways giving benefits others. The NLT translates this text very clearly: “So two good things will result from this ministry of giving – the needs of believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the good news of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words,” (12-15).

            Let’s highlight the four ways giving blesses others. 

1)    It supplies the needs of the Lord’s people – When we talk about budgets, we can easily lose sight of the people that budget represents. I, for one, could not do the work of pastoring without your generous support. Thank you! We support Rolf and Ang, Marvin and Heidi, Sharon Cornelsen, and Inner City Youth Alive (Kent), and so many others with our gifts. Because you give, people can worship in this place all year long.

2)    It gives those who receive these gifts a reason to thank God. When you give, you are an answer to someone else’s prayer. God uses you to meet the needs of others.

3)    It reveals that God is at work in you. For Paul, it was proof to the Jews in Jerusalem that the Gentiles were really following Christ. When we give, it demonstrates that we have grasped God’s mercy to us and are willing to share that mercy with others.

4)    It will lead them to pray for you. Do not take this too lightly. The church in Uganda prays for us because we sent the Kruses to them. The church in Madrid remembers us in prayer because the Schmidts are part of the ministry there. When we give, we create koinonia, a fellowship, a partnership of the global church. 

 

Randy Alcorn wisely said, “A revival of lavish giving and strategic living is a revival of grace empowered by God. As the body of Christ gets serious about learning and living out God’s instructions concerning money and possessions, Christ’s cause will be furthered and his person exalted.” 

            Are you ready for what God wants to do in your life when you give to the Kingdom work?

            The prophet Malachi gave a warning and a promise, “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, “How do we rob you?” In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse – the whole nation of you – because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it,” (3:8-10).

            Are you ready for that kind of blessing? Can you handle that much blessing? 

            Kingdom giving blesses the heart of God. He has a special love for the cheerful, generous giver who invests in the kingdom of Jesus. Sermons about money are hard to hear; they are hard to preach too. But the reality is this: God has given us whatever we have. More, he has given us the best of heaven in his Son, Jesus. We are responsible as stewards to give to him and the work of the gospel. 

            Sharon and I give our ten percent to the church out of our combined income (we believe the church receives our first fruits, then we give to other ministries); we give to Inner City Youth Alive and to a ministry called “Give the Word” which hands out bibles to anyone for free; we support Steinbach Bible College; and we have regularly supported Compassion children. I tell you this not to brag or boast, but to stand here as an example of what I preach. I believe that giving to the kingdom is an important part of our spiritual worship. And I believe that God blesses the cheerful giver.

            You have everything you need to be a generous and cheerful giver. Will you help build the kingdom?

 

                                                AMEN