Rev City - Culture of Generosity
We live to give. Giving is a Christ like lifestyle. We generously give forgiveness, mercy, grace, love, time – whatever is needed to reveal Jesus to others. Regarding finances, we faithfully tithe as the starting point for extravagantly supporting and building God’s Kingdom through our local church.

Giving is the "Verb" of the bible
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

And Jesus, whom the father GAVE, came as this amazing example of radical generosity and sacrifice and generosity that carries with it the anointing and power of God to changes lives.

Culture of Generosity – whatever is required to reveal Jesus and build the Kingdom

Past couple weeks have been diving into what God’s Word has to say about money.

God has a lot to say…It’s because money matters –

Many issues in life are connected in some way to our understanding, perspective and handling of money.

-- Financial conflict is the number one indicator of divorce
-- The number one cause of suicide amongst 40-64 year olds

Time for the church to speak with clarity and conviction.

To make disciples – fully devoted follower of Christ – That’s our hearts desire – to know and do the will of God.

So our concern is - what does God’s word say about this area of life so we can walk it out?

The blessing of God is connected to the word of God. God’s word works.

So the past two weeks we laid foundations –

Mammon – false God of riches – spirit of materialism and dependency on money that exalts itself against God and promises to provide the things that only God can provide.

God wants our hearts so he set up a pattern for how to steward our treasure.

1. Isn’t this the Law?

Actually, Began nearly 500 years before the law.

Abraham – father of faith established this as part of the worshipful response to God’s blessing on our lives.

Powerful blessing – and it’s part of what we have access to!

Abraham began, the law confirmed, and Jesus affirmed tithing in the new testament.

Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the law!? Yes!

Sacrifices and ceremony are no longer required for salvation!This is good news!

Jesus didn’t abolish it, He fulfilled it! Only the blood of Jesus…

But there are MANY principles under the law that are still tied to our well-being and blessing.

Murder, Adultery, Stealing….all part of “the Law” but we are still blessed when we honor and suffer when we violate.

What the law requires, grace inspires.

What is worth more – what is required or what is given out of a willing heart?God loves a cheerful giver.

Our giving is now to honor God, thank him, and build his kingdom.

2. What is the Tithe? – word meaning “one tenth”

Why tenth – ten represents “completion and order” – our entire number system is based on 10 and multiples of 10.

10 is a number of testing!

-- How many plagues in Egypt? (how many times did God test Pharaohs heart?)
-- How many commandments are there?
-- How many times did God test Israel in the wilderness?
-- How many times were Jacob’s wages changed? His heart being tested?
-- How Many Days Daniel tested?
-- Virgins tested in Matthew 25?
-- Days of testing in revelation chapter 2?

The test we take is who do we thank for our income?

3. The tithe belongs to GodWhile it all belongs to God – the tithe is set apart. It belongs to God!

It belongs to God…The bible doesn’t say to “give” the tithe, it says to “bring” the tithe.

4. Given to the storehouse.

Food – resource and energy for activity.The church’s Vision well resourced. People provided for.

The first and best redeems the rest.

10 dollars – 1st redeemsUS Treasury – 14,000 transactions.80-97 percent of dollar bills have trace amount of cocaine.

Now it’s in MY hands – I’m a disciple of Jesus Christ, an ambassador of his Kingdom…

Jesus is described as the first fruits of the harvest – 1 Corinthians 15:23

The first born of all creation – Colossians 1:15