MAIN POINT:

Throughout Christian history believers have sacrificed in serving Christ through giving.

ICEBREAKER:

Consider this hypothetical situation: A family includes Mom, Dad, son, and daughter. Dad needs shirts for work. Son and daughter are both growing fast and current shoes hurt their feet. The family is on limited budget. How do you think the parents handle the situation?

INTRODUCTION:

For ages Christians have sacrificed and given offerings to help further the gospel. Each person was encouraged to give what he or she could, according to what he/she had, a percentage rather than a set amount. Each fall Faith Promisers sacrificially give during a time we call Heart for the Harvest. This financial campaign serves to fund campus expansion, debt reduction, and compassion initiatives. This week we learned about a new ministry Faith Promise is launching. We are joining forces with Jake Bodine, who leads God Behind Bars. We have opportunity to give time as well as money. The prison ministry, a part of campus expansion, is one of the areas that will benefit from Heart for the Harvest.

ENCOUNTERING GOD THROUGH BIBLE STUDY:

1. What is Heart for the Harvest?

2. On what 3 areas will the Heart for the Harvest offering focus?

Read Romans 12:1.
3. What else besides money does God want from believers?

4. Have you ever tried to tithe your time? (10% of 24 hours: 2.4 x 7=16.8 hours per week) Which is more precious to you-time or money?

Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-5.
5. Have you ever begged anyone to take your money? Who set the example for giving?

Read 2 Corinthians 8:5-7.
6. What was the priority for the Macedonians’ giving?

7. Paul praised the Macedonians for excelling in what 5 areas? In which of these areas do you excel? In which do you need work?

Read 2 Corinthians 8:8-9.
8. How was Paul going to “test” their sincerity?

9. How are Christians rich? Have you seen examples of Christians’ richness?

LEADER NOTES

1. Faith Promise’s annual offering to further gospel
2. campus expansion, debt reduction, compassion initiatives
3. bodies (sweat) and time
5b. Jesus set the example by giving all
6. the Lord first, then ministers and/or evangelists, other churches
7. faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness, love
8. by their eagerness in giving
9. rich in blessings from God