Grace and Gratitude
Corey Widmer on 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Fourth Sermon in the series Blessed by God's Generosity, Trusting in God's Faithfulness
We give out of many different motivations: guilt, duty, obligation, fear, pride, etc. But for the Christian, the overwhelming motivation for all of our giving is gratitude. We express gratitude for what God has so generously given first in Creation–in sustaining our lives freely every day–and second, in redemption–in giving radically to us through Jesus Christ. For the Apostle Paul, the surest proof of a heart that has been changed by the good news of Jesus is a life of radical generosity.
Why do we take four weeks to focus on generosity? Because it is central to God’s message for all of us as followers of Jesus. Think of His generosity starting in Genesis 1 when He gave us everything on the earth. The Psalms reinforce His generosity, as well. But we see God's character most clearly in His act of ultimate generosity, giving us His Son who died that we may have eternal life. His generosity should be our generosity, through all of our resources: time, talents and finances.
As we learn more about God’s generosity through the sermons of visiting Haitian pastor Leon Dorleans, Steve, and Corey; stories from members; videos; and our celebration of Commitment Sunday THIS SUNDAY, we pray that you will feel blessed by God’s generosity and trust in His faithfulness.
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 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. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
The songs and hymns we'll be singing together in each service to celebrate God's generosity and trustworthiness are listed below. You can view and download the Worship Bulletin for each service by clicking the service name.
9:00 AM Convergent Worship in the Sanctuary
O Worship the King
Hands to the Heavens
Come and Fill Our Hearts
The Lord is Merciful (adapted from Psalm 130)
The Love of Christ is Rich and Free
11:15 AM Contemporary Worship in the Fellowship Hall
O Worship the King
Hands to the Heavens
After All (Holy)
Our Great God
Offertory: In the Palm of Your Hand
The Love of Christ is Rich and Free
11:15 AM Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
This week the Choir will be singing a stunning arrangement of "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" arranged by Jay Rouse. It creatively mixes a cappella with piano accompaniment. It also adds text from the fourth stanza of the hymn "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" for a climactic conclusion!
Oh, Worship the King
I know Whom I Have Believed
Choir Anthem: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
I Will Sing of My Redeemer