In the sermon yesterday I mentioned various ways that we can give more for the good of others and the glory of God. The basis for the call to give more of who we are and what we have is the fact that Jesus held nothing back when He gave His life to save us on the cross.
To view or listen to the sermon click here: https://vimeo.com/247696203
Philippians 2:6-8 says that Jesus, “though in the form of God, did not count equality with God a think to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Because Jesus held nothing back, we give more by giving all of our lives for the good of others and the glory of God.
Three ways to give more for the good of others and the glory of God.
Give more of your time for the good of others and the glory of God
- Give more of your time for the good of your family
How can you make more space for time with your family? Put down the cell phone, turn off the tv or streaming device, and come out of your “space” to engage with your family over meals, conversations, games, etc.
- Give more of your time for the good of Tupelo
As Christians we should be involved in the communities where we live. Make space in your life to volunteer in local service organizations, pro-life groups, recreational sports leagues, etc. Talk as a family about ways you can serve others and benefit Tupelo for the glory of God.
Give more of your money for the good of other and the glory of God
- Give more of your money for the good of the Gospel by giving to the church.
The first place we give is to the Lord to support HIs kingdom and the advancement of the gospel. This is our priority with the money He has given us and should be planned and prioritized in our family budgets.
In addition to giving to support the local church, you can give an extra amount to support the advancement of the Gospel through missions giving, While our church gives a portion of what you give to missions, you are encouraged to give more to the work of Christ around the world. Every Christmas we give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. Every dollar goes directly to the families on the field sharing the Gospel. Our goal this year is $100,000. (See links at the bottom of the post)
- Give more of your money by giving to others
You can give to support the needs of others around the world through organizations like Compassion International, Samaritan’s Purse, World Vision, and Baptist Global Relief. Many of these organizations have Christmas catalogs where you can purchase gifts that meet the needs of others around the world. (See links at the bottom of the post)
Give more of your focus for the good of others and the glory of God
Your focus in life is important, and too often our focus is on things other than the good of others the glory of God. When you give more of your focus and attention to the plans and priorities of God it will be seen in the way that you prioritize your life. Ask yourself:
Is there room or margin in your life for the good of others? If your life is truly wrapped around Christ then you will have a focus on the good of others.
Commit to put aside your plans, your agendas, and your will to live for Christ.
Commit to give more by giving all of your life for the good others and the glory of God by living for Christ.
Links:
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (click drop down menu and choose Lottie Moon)
https://pushpay.com/g/harrisburgonilnetupelo?src=hpp
Christmas Gift Catalogs:
Compassion International
https://www.compassion.com/charitable-gift-catalog.htm
Samartian’s Purse
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/gift-catalog/
World Vision
Baptist Global Relief
Harrisburg Advent Conspiracy Water Project
https://www.imb.org/project-finder/project?id=LMC370160600&ReturnURL=/project-finder/