Greatest Stories

Sacrificial Generosity
Part 2

June 13, 2021 • Jon Furman • The Greatest Stories Rarely ToldSacrificial Generosity

Join us as Jon continues The Greatest Stories Rarely Told, taking a look at some of the greatest, yet lesser-known stories of the Bible, that point back to values that reflect the character of Jesus: Sacrificial Generosity, Radical Hospitality, and Uncommon Humility.
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Sermon Notes - June 13, 2021
The Greatest Stories Rarely Told: Sacrificial Generosity - Part 2 - Jon Furman

Sacrificial Generosity
Radical Hospitality
Uncommon Humility

"Sacagawea reconciles all the natives to our friendly intentions… a woman with a party of men, is a token of peace." – William Clark

Acts 4:32-33 (NLT)
All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all.

Acts 4:34-35 (NLT)
There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35 and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.

James 2:15-17 (NLT)
Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

Acts 4:36-37 (NLT)
For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.

Acts 5:1-2 (NLT)
But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest.

Acts 5:3-4 (NLT)
Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!”

“Esse quam videri” (To be, rather than to seem) - Cicero

Acts 5:5 (NLT)
As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified.

Application Points:

Give because you love the people around you.

Give because you want the Good News to spread.

Give because you want to be an encouragement.