Red Rocks Church begins Kingdom Builders series

The wealthy, on the other hand, had plenty of extra cash. (Photo by Annie Spratt from Unsplash)

On the last Sunday of November, Red Rocks Church started its Kingdom Builders series.

The first sermon was led by Senior Pastor Shawn Johnson.

He shared about his journey of educating himself on the peace and purpose of giving.

With his take on the topic, he urged listeners to accept Jesus' call to generosity.

This is because, in his own experience, he has gained amazing serenity, pleasure, purpose, and closeness to God as a result of his generosity.

Also, Johnson’s sermon served as a way for listeners to remind themselves of their calling as the year nears its end.  

The Wealthy and the Poor Widow

Johnson based his sermon on Mark 12:41-44.

In the Scripture, Jesus and his followers were visiting the temple.

He saw something that he later utilized to instruct his students about giving.

He observed several wealthy individuals putting significant quantities of money into the temple's 

treasury from his seat across from it.

Then a poor widow entered and contributed two little copper pennies.

The widow donated more than the wealthy; Jesus informed the disciples.

The poor widow had no means of support when her spouse passed away. She, therefore, had nothing other than the two little copper pennies.

Yet, she offered them all to God.

The wealthy, on the other hand, had plenty of extra cash.

So, all they gave to God was spare change and money they could live without.

According to Learn Religions, the passage is intended to clarify what "real" discipleship meant to Jesus.

This meant being prepared to sacrifice everything one has, even their livelihood, for the glory of God.

People who just give from their excess aren't making any sacrifices, thus God won't value their donations very much or at all.

Faith, Not Circumstances

In his sermon, Johnson elaborated to listeners that generosity is a matter of faith rather than circumstances.

In the Scripture, Jesus mentioned the poor widow who donated despite her poverty.

According to Johnson, this was a sign that believers are invited to sacrifice for Christ.

Jesus' teachings require believers to give whatever they possess to advance the Kingdom of God.

Giving from their surplus is not a kind of sacrifice; rather, a sacrifice should be costly.

According to Johnson, Jesus wasn't telling this parable to make his followers feel bad for the widow or even guilty.

Rather, Jesus was trying to show that being kind costs everyone something and that it takes a lot of confidence and assurance that God is who He says He is.

Johnson stated that the way of Jesus is one of generosity.

Although, it appears different in every situation.

Johnson stated that it can take the form of lending money to a friend or a family in need.

It can include inviting people for a hot meal and creating a sense of community, or it might merely just pausing long enough to provide a sympathetic ear to someone who feels troubled.

Whatever it may be, generosity costs each believer something.

But as followers of Christ, they must be aware that God enjoys it when they give generously since it is at the core of who His Father is.

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