Pastor David Maier - Forward in Hope

HEART CHECK: 2. A Generous Heart

The sermon for this Sunday, November 12, will examine 2 Corinthians 8:1-15.  It is the beginning of a rather unique section of Scripture.  Rarely does the Apostle Paul, or any Scripture writer, spend more than a few verses – maybe half a chapter – on a particular topic.  In Romans 9-11 Paul does take three chapters to explain his heart and detail what happened to his countrymen – the Jewish nation – if in fact all along they had God’s promises, and His past deliverances, and ancestors who had been greatly blessed by God.  A fascinating three chapters in deed.  But in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 – a two chapter section – Paul talks about financial stewardship.  We can learn so much from what he has to say. 

Last week, looking at Malachi 3:6-18 we examined that the law of the tithe was really a matter of the heart, more than it was about a particular percentage.  More than ever in the New Testament, giving is still a matter of the heart … do we believe, and do we act on what we say we believe … a heart check … and a gut check … and a faith check. 

Paul in 2 Corinthians 8 wants to inspire his Chrsitian readers. And he does so through the example of others. I mean I’m inspired to read more when I talk to folks that being changed by their reading.  I’m inspired to exercise when I see the results of those who are exercising.   Paul basically says, “Look what they did … the “they” be the Macedonians.

• To know who they were …
• To understand their circumstances …
• To know what they asked (begged) to do, and then did, for their fellow Christ followers in

  Jerusalem

  …
• To see how they were blessed later …

is truly inspiring. 

Then Paul adds chapter 9 to give the spiritual framework behind what was taking place.  If you will, he is again “planting seeds” … knowing the rich harvest it will bring.

Bottom line:  Aren’t we glad we don’t live in the Old Testament and have to drag and animal every week to the temple.  How much more thankful and generous should we be … and blessed will we be … as N T followers of Christ who live on this side of the cross.

I pray that like the Macedonians who were held up as an example … we too “will excel in this grace of giving.”

Come and be inspired!

Join the GREAT ADVENTURE!

Our Savior Lutheran has had the blessing of celebrating its 50^th Anniversary over the past 3 months, specifically on three particular Sundays.  Our first anniversary service was held on September 24 and especially celebrated our charter members.  I believe that more than 50% of the known living charter members were present for this service.  It’s amazing to realize what they went through in leaving the comfort of an established church so that they could begin a new church with a school.  A Christian education for their children, for all children, was so vital for them.  It should be for us as well.  Although this service recognized the God’s past blessing, it also celebrated God’s continuing work from OSL’s inception up to the present day.  The foundation laid continues to be built upon.

Our second anniversary service on October 29, especially celebrated our Christian Day School Ministry.  Past principals, teachers, and students were invited.  It was again a blessing to see so many people conversing that had not seen each other in years.  The lasting fellowship that a Christian school creates is almost incomparable with anything else.  We were thankful and blessed to have Rev. Timothy Bickel as our preacher, a student who had gone through all the grades of our school.  Tom Schroeder, another graduated of our school, was our guest organist.  A highlight of the service was having various groups of people stand:  those who had been or are OSL Principals; staff; cooks; students.  People who had been baptized, confirmed, or married at OSL.  God has done a mighty work at OSL … already. To Him be the glory now and forever more.