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Thank you to the Bible Project for providing amazing resources!
Something happens inside of human beings in times of crisis. Our instincts for self-preservation kick in, and we begin to cultivate a scarcity mindset. It becomes very easy to focus on the well-being of ourselves and our family and forget the difficulties of others around us. We are especially prone to this behavior in times of uncertainty such as now.
Jesus of Nazareth was no stranger to this kind of social instability. He grew up in land occupied by a foreign military, and oppressive Roman taxes made life difficult for his family and neighbors. Yet he called his followers to a very different kind of response. He taught that our obsession with self-preservation not only makes us more miserable and anxious; it actually creates more of the thing that we’re trying to avoid.
Listen
Join Tim in a short meditation on the theme of Generosity. You can listen to this as an individual, or as a group. If you are leading a small group or family, feel free to listen to the message and contextualize it for your needs.
WATCH
Read & Discuss
Reading & Discussion One: Luke 12:22-34
Creation is an expression of God’s generous love. Where do you see the generosity of God in the world, your life, or the story of the Bible? What are you most grateful for?
What are you anxious about in your present situation? Reflect on God’s love and care and how it might help alleviate your anxiety.
Reading & Discussion Two: 1 Timothy 6:17-19
In times of crisis, a “scarcity mindset”—focusing on what you don’t have—can easily cause us to cling to worldly goods. Do you experience this? What would you and others around you gain by trusting God’s generous love instead?
This passage includes a special command to the rich to be generous. While we might not be rich in wealth, we have all been given gifts that we can share with others, whether our time, care, prayer, resources, etc. Reflect on what specifically you can share and with whom.
Reading & Discussion Three: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
In this passage, Paul says that becoming rich is found in Jesus. What does this mean? Is Paul talking about worldly wealth or something else?
The Macedonians are presented as a positive example of a group that joyfully gave in the midst of trial and poverty. As a group, they made a huge impact. What groups can you join with to do something meaningful in this time?
Interested in learning more about the theme of Generosity in the Bible? Visit our explore page on "Generosity."
VINE KIDS
Look up John 3:16 and Acts 16:31 with your children; consider these questions for discussion.
The Bible instructs one thing to receive eternal life, what is it? (Believe)
What shall we believe? (That Jesus died for us to be reconciled to God.)
Please feel free to print these coloring sheets to keep your children engaged during worship:
GIVE
Please feel free to give in your usual methods:
Mailing checks or cash to the church is still possible as a staff member will continue to check the mail each week.
Online Giving is available if you would like to give a one time or to setup a continual weekly offering.
SERVE
Check in on fellow members of our church. A phone call or a text will go a long way in helping us all weather this storm.
If you are well, consider helping those in need. Give to Nourishing Network, our ministry partner in the Edmonds School District. These community guidelines and closures will affect the vulnerable in our community the hardest. Love Jesus by loving people.
Keep a close eye on your neighbors to see where you and our church can be a blessing. There are many in our communities who are not connected to a church home. This is our opportunity to be the church in real ways. Caring for those who are alone will show His love in ways we may not be able to calculate.
Help the church staff & elders stay connected with people in need. People quarantined may need deliveries. Those out of work many need financial assistance. Families suffering may need pastoral care. Our church is here to help!
Above all, pray for healing and comfort in this time of community need. This has all passed through God’s hand to us, and He will be glorified through it all.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
1 Corinthians 4:16-18
Thank you for worshiping with us! We’ll see you online next week!
