Kingdom People: Giving and Generosity
Two men were marooned on an island. One man paced back and forth, worried and scared, while the other man sat back and enjoyed the sun. The first man asked the second man, "Aren’t you afraid we're about to die?" "No," said the second man, "I make £100,000 a week and tithe faithfully to my church every week. My pastor will find me."
This joke brings humour into what can sometimes be an uncomfortable topic; giving and stewardship.
We don’t believe that God is just after our money, but that actually God is after our hearts (Matthew 6:21).
We want to be good stewards of what God has given us so that we can live according to His ways, as Kingdom People.
So, what can we learn about who God is?
Firstly, our God owns everything (Psalm 24:1). Matthew 6:28-34 tells us not to worry about anything, because our Father feeds the birds and clothes the grass of the field, and so He will ensure that we have all we need.
Secondly, our God is a generous God. John 3:16 tells us that God gave Himself for us, and James 1:17 tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from our Father, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Thirdly, God is a steward. Scripture gives us the blueprint to follow in every area of our lives, He knows best how to steward everything and then He calls us to steward the resources that He has given us (Genesis 2:15).
We therefore don’t live from a place of fear, poverty, but of love, power and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). We are children of God with our confidence in our heavenly Father as our source.
How we live then reflects who we believe God to be, and through our giving and generosity we desire to make Christ known in the world around us.
Stewardship = managing God’s resources God’s way for God’s glory.
“The Kingdom of God advances wherever people come to know Christ, grow in faith, experience healing, and reflect God’s justice and love.”
From the early church onward, generosity has always fuelled ministry, mission, and mercy. In Acts, we read that believers shared their possessions so no one was in need (Acts 2:45). Paul raised funds to support ministry and the poor (2 Corinthians 8–9), and Jesus affirmed generous giving that honoured God (Luke 21:1–4).
Our giving and generosity:
Supports pastors and missionaries so they can preach and disciple.
Funds outreach that leads people to Christ.
Feeds the hungry and cares for the vulnerable.
Plants churches in unreached places.
Trains leaders for future generations.
When we give, we convert financial resources into eternal impact — lives changed, hearts healed, and communities transformed.
Sacrificial giving demonstrates our heart posture before the Lord.
As we see God rightly, as we become more like Him and follow His ways, we will develop an eternal investment strategy - fruit that will remain, treasures in heaven, lives changed and God’s kingdom advanced, in Jesus’ name.
Next Steps:
1. Pray for a generous heart.
2. Ask God whether there’s anything/anyone specific that He would like you to give to.
3. Give to the Vision of the House Offering: https://allnationscc.churchsuite.com/donate/fund/o1if9sx3
4. Catch up with the Sunday service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cG33wbO3-rs