Biblically Generous (1/29/2023)

Jesus in You: Radically Generous (Acts 2:42-47)

The generosity of the church isn't just seen in Jerusalem, but it goes on. Therefore, the teaching of Paul in 2 Corinthians is so relevant. In 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 and 2 Corinthians 9:7-8, Paul begins by calling the generosity of the church in Macedonia, "what God has done." When we are generous, we are joining God in His work. Where the Spirit of God is at work in the people of God, living in the indwelling presence of Jesus - the result is radical generosity. And why not? Our God is incredibly generous! Generosity is not always easy. There are dangerous "generosity killers" that the church must wisely confront: greed and inequity. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is all about greed.  Verse 11 is a warning to all the greedy in the house of God, "Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else..." Well, for good reason! Greed has no place among Jesus' people. And the next crisis for the church comes in Acts 6. This time, there are those in need who are not being cared for. There is inequity. What ever happened to the "no need among them" of Acts 3:34-35? The church is to steward well the resources of God. When you choose to be generous, by the prompting of the spirit of God - Jesus alive in you and through you becomes evident.