Generosity in Tough Times

Habakkuk 3:17-19; Deuteronomy 26:1-11 It’s possible to have joy even when things in life are going wrong. When God is center in our lives, we always give Him our best, which is the principle of the Old Testament “Firstfruits.” So when God is first in our lives, even...

The Force of Generosity

2 Corinthians 8:8-15; 9:6-12 The Corinth church was well off and Paul was trying to raise a collection for the poor church in Jerusalem. Paul wants them to want to give generously but they seem unwilling from their heart to do so. Giving comes from joy that flows from...

Love the Differences

Matthew 8:1-13 We are people divided in our hearts, in our allegiances, in everything besides Jesus. We typically feel most comfortable among people who are similar to us—it shows who we are. By connecting with two people who are on the extreme outside, Jesus shows...

Accept One Another

Romans 15:1-9 The Bible portrays the church as a diverse community that live thick lives together. This can be rather messy, but very possible. Living together as God’s family involves bearing with one another, carrying the burdens of others by caring and coming...

Love Across Differences

Acts 8:26-40 Our society is highly polarized, especially with political differences. Humans are good at division. Philip and an Ethiopian, who are so different, connect deeply for no other reason than that God is up to something. God, through the work of his Son...