The generosity of the church isn't just seen in Jerusalem, but it goes on. Therefore, the teaching of Paul in 2 Corinthians is so relevant. In 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 and 2 Corinthians 9:7-8, Paul begins by calling the generosity of the church in Macedonia, "what God has done." When we are generous, we are joining God in His work. Where the Spirit of God is at work in the people of God, living in the indwelling presence of Jesus - the result is radical generosity. And why not? Our God is incredibly generous! Generosity is not always easy. There are dangerous "generosity killers" that the church must wisely confront: greed and inequity. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is all about greed.  Verse 11 is a warning to all the greedy in the house of God, "Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else..." Well, for good reason! Greed has no place among Jesus' people. And the next crisis for the church comes in Acts 6. This time, there are those in need who are not being cared for. There is inequity. What ever happened to the "no need among them" of Acts 3:34-35? The church is to steward well the resources of God. When you choose to be generous, by the prompting of the spirit of God - Jesus alive in you and through you becomes evident.

Preach Jesus: Jesus in You, the Life of the Spirit Expressed in the Church

Radically Generous

Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 4:32-37

How do you know God is alive and at work in this world?

• John 16:7, "it is best for you that I go away, because if I don't the Advocate won't come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you."
• John 14:12, "anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father."

1. Radical Generosity is the footprint of the Spirit of God in the church.

• Galatians 2:10, "Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do."
• See 2 Corinthians 8:1-2 and 9:1-2
• See Romans 15:25-27
• Acts 20:35, "I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

2. Radical Generosity is the means by which God changed the World.

Recommended books:

1. The Rise of Christianity by Rodney Stark

2. The Air We Breathe by Glen Scrivener

3. Dominion by Tom Holland

Isaiah 61:2, "...he sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

John 13:35, "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

3. Generosity goes on and on and on and on.

• Matthew 25:40, "I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!"