Beyond the Weekend

February 9 | I Like the Grace Effect

February 9, 2018

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

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. 2 Corinthians 9:7

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

Listen: 2 Corinthians 9

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Our winter sermon series The Grace Effect challenges us to whole life generosity. Whole life generosity is a consistent theme of Jesus’ ministry on earth and Paul’s letters to the churches. Jesus is even referred to as the suffering servant in the book of Isaiah, 600 years before he was born. Jesus said radical things like he “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). Jesus took whole life generosity seriously. Jesus’ example should stir whole life generosity in us. That’s the grace effect.

As we receive the gift of grace available through Jesus’ death on the cross, we should become people of grace. The God of the universe picked you out, picked you up and brought you home through the death of his only Son. What a gift! Understanding this gift should help gift receivers become gift givers.

Three things need to happen. First, we start to slow down and see the needs around us. Second, instead of seeing needs as interfering with our life, we should recognize them as divine opportunities. Third, we make whole life generosity a habit and a core value of our life. When this happens, whole life generosity leaves a legacy for those around us. As grace transforms all our life—people will notice. When people notice—it should lead to opportunities to share how God’s grace changed our lives.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Reflect on God’s grace through the work of his son. This past weekend we celebrated communion. Communion is an opportunity to remember what Jesus did for us on the cross. We remember the price he paid for our sin and his victory over death. Watch and listen to the song Great Are You Lord and thank God for giving life.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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