We live in a culture that has lost the true meaning of a generous life. Jesus spoke about generosity throughout his ministry in ways that now seem foreign even to those in the church. This series is designed to open our eyes to the biblical model of generous living and chart a course for our own journey of generosity.
Reimagine Series Study Session 2 (July 27 – August 24): Loving Generously Participant Guide, Loving Generously Leader’s Guide
Sunday, July 27 – Loving Generously. The first step toward relational generosity is recognizing that we have a problem. Our relationships do not look much like Jesus’ relationships. And our community, at least for most of us, does not look much like his community, where cultural, social, and economic barriers were far less important than our common human needs. But the Gospel shows amazing generosity by inviting every sinner into fellowship with God. Gospel living shows the same generosity to others.
Use the following scripture to prepare for worship:
Weekly Awakening Question: TBA
_____________________________________________________________
Reimagine Series Study Session 1 (June 22-July 20): Participant’s Guide, Leader’s Guide
Sunday, July 20th – Living Generously. When a farmer plants a seed, he has a purpose. He wants to see it grow and he wants to reap some sort of fruit from his efforts. The planter may not be the one who waters and he may not be the one who reaps, but in the end, the system worked because someone sowed seed in the beginning. God uses a system of sowing and reaping in our world. We are stewards of our time and money and God asks us to use those resources to plant seeds in this world through generosity.
Weekly Awakening Question: When was a time that you bore a burden for someone else?
Week 5 Generosity Video – Seedtime
Teaching Moment Video – Seedtime password is reimagine
————————————————————————–
Sunday, July 13th – Living Generously. The Bible describes God as a strong tower, and the true test of our faith will be where we run to for our security. The rich, Proverbs 18:11 says, run to their own wealth and think they have found protection; however their imagination proves wrong, especially during a time of crises. We will learn a lot about ourselves by seeing where, in the midst of a crisis, we run for help.
Use the following scripture to prepare for worship:
Weekly Awakening Question: How has God kept you in His name?
Week 4 Generosity Video – Tower
Teaching Moment Video – Tower password is reimagine
————————————————————————–
Sunday, July 6th – Living Generously Jesus models servanthood for us by becoming poor so others can become rich. Philippians 2 says Jesus became like nothing in terms of his social status, stepping down from the throne room, and took the role of a servant. If we are truly going to serve others, we must put aside our comfort and our agenda and step into the lives of others, and the role God would have for us. For Jesus, that was a step down from His heavenly home into our earthly dwelling. Why? Because He first loved us.
Use the following scripture to prepare for worship:
Weekly Awakening Question: What if what we have been given was actually given to us for our neighbors’ benefit?
Week 3 Generosity Video – Poor
Teaching Moment Video – Poor password is reimagine
————————————————————————–
Sunday, June 29th – Living Generously. If our money talked about us, what would it say? Would it speak of our love for others, or our greed? Our money is our best character witness because it knows what we truly want and who we truly serve. Throughout the Bible, especially the Old Testament, God battled against idols that constantly deceived and pulled the love of his people away. We cannot serve two masters. God only needs to look at our spending, our giving, or our savings to know the condition of our hearts.
Use the following scripture to prepare for worship:
Weekly Awakening Question: What helps you remain focused on treasures in heaven?
Week 2 Generosity Video – Defense
Teaching Moment Video – Defense password is reimagine
————————————————————————–
Sunday, June 22nd – Living Generously. Fiscal responsibility is important – in fact the Bible is filled with great wisdom on working hard, saving money. But, in our drive to provide and protect, let us not lose our child-like faith. We are to remember that God asks for our first and best… and promises that He’ll bless the rest!
Use the following scripture to prepare for worship:
Weekly Awakening Question: How does Jesus compassion unleash compassion for your neighbor?
Week 1 Generosity Video: First
Teaching Moment Video 1 password is reimagine