The mission is the message

We serve a God who wants our hearts.  We must resist the pressure of the world on the outside, and focus on our motivations on the inside.  God is looking into our hearts.  

Lord, its all about you.  We want our hearts  to be right with you.  Take our lives as an act of worship (Allen Pedram).

Lord, whatever your mission is. I want for it to be mine (Dino Rizzo).

Acts 10:38 New Living Translation (NLT)

38 And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.

Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.   

1. We are to be generous in good deeds. 

Luke 8:1-3 New Living Translation (NLT)

Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. 

He took his twelve disciples with him, 2 along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. 

Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons;  

Jesus reached out to people who had been through a lot like Mary Magdalene.

3 Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager;

Jesus reach out to those who had a lot like Joanna.  

 Susanna; and many others 

Jesus reached out to the forgotten like Susanna who was only written about here.

who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples. 

Jesus allowed the women to participate in his mission. 

Jesus was a giver (Matthew 17:4). 

Jesus was a borrower (Matthew 21:2-3).

Jesus was a receiver (Luke 8:1-3).  

Jesus was allowing others to be a part of His ministry.  Jesus was on a tour, and inviting others to join in. 

Our generosity does the same thing.

1. Our generosity spreads the gospel.   

It's not about arguing and debating.  Let's not get side tracked.  It's about sharing.  

2. Jesus used all kinds of ways to spread the gospel.  

Acts 10:38 

(1) Jesus went around doing good 

(2)and healing  all who were oppressed by the devil.

3. Jesus used all kinds of people to spread the gospel.  

Luke 8:2-3

(1)He took his twelve disciples with him, 

(2)along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; 

(3) Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others.

5. My generosity can be a resource for the good news.  

A. I must be generous to individuals in need. 

B. I must join in to contribute with other believers to reach my community.

C. I must be willing to invite others to hear the gospel.  Some people are just one invitation away from spending eternity with Jesus.

D. I must be generous with my resources to  help the poor. 

Matthew 25:34-36 New Living Translation (NLT)

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 

35 For I (Jesus) was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 

36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

Pray to Give>Plan to Give> Participate in Giving

Notes from Dino Rizzo, Church of the Highlands