"Even When It Doesn't Make Sense"

Lets share Good News together. To partner with us financially visit www.gospelchurch.co/give or text the word "FRESH" to 94000. Message Notes: 1 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” — Luke 21v1-4 (NIV) Faith is measured differently than finances 1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, – 2 Corinthians 8v1-3 (ESV) The faith for God’s future provision is found in His past performance 45 While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”— Luke 20v45-47 (NIV) Previous 2 chapters (Context) The Pharisees criticize Jesus' disciples for their praise at the Triumphal entry (19:39) Jesus drives out the sellers from the Temple (19:45-46) The chief priests, the teachers of the law (scribes), and leaders constantly plot to kill him (19:47-48) People challenge his authority to teach (20:1-8) People challenge him about paying taxes to Caesar (20:20-26) Sadducees challenge him about the resurrection and marriage (20:27-40) 1 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” — Luke 21v1-4 (NIV) When You Give: 1) Give without expecting anything in return He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. – Luke 21v3 (ESV) 2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. – Matthew 6v2-4 (NIV) 2) Give without caring who’s watching About those Pharisees… Pharisees love to be seen Pharisees love to respected Pharisees love to stay clean “Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out.” Frank Howard Clark 3) Give because God has told you to give 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” – Luke 21v3-4 (ESV) 4) Give as an act of worship not obligation Romans 12v1-2 (NIV)