100:00:00,600 –> 00:00:05,080In a world of betrayed trust there is One200:00:05,920 –> 00:00:10,920who will never never never let you down. You can trust this Jesus Christ300:00:10,920 –> 00:00:11,820with your life400:00:11,820 –> 00:00:13,100your death500:00:13,100 –> 00:00:18,080your eternity. Paul says those who trust in Him600:00:18,080 –> 00:00:19,760will never be put to shame.700:00:19,760 –> 00:00:24,160Welcome to Open the Bible with pastor Colin Smith. I’m David Pick.800:00:24,160 –> 00:00:27,360Glad you could join us today. And Colin most of us900:00:27,700 –> 00:00:30,879have had our trust betrayed one time or another.1000:00:30,879 –> 00:00:34,419And sadly that can happen in the church too.1100:00:34,419 –> 00:00:37,240We’ve been hurt or seen things that shouldn’t happen.1200:00:37,240 –> 00:00:41,160So it’s good to know that Jesus Christ, the Head of the church1300:00:41,160 –> 00:00:42,799will never let us down.1400:00:42,799 –> 00:00:46,720That really it is and that’s the place to find a firm footing for1500:00:46,720 –> 00:00:50,720every time that we’ve been disappointed. We’re really on an important1600:00:50,720 –> 00:00:53,040issue today. I’ve met over the years1700:00:53,040 –> 00:00:55,320a few people who have1800:00:56,320 –> 00:01:00,320felt that they were really hurt and wounded by1900:01:00,320 –> 00:01:05,160having given generously to some church or religious institution or2000:01:05,160 –> 00:01:08,519organization and then found the money was not well used or that it2100:01:08,519 –> 00:01:11,879was squandered or not properly accounted for and so forth and so2200:01:11,879 –> 00:01:16,480on. And it really hurt them and it’s a great thing to know that the2300:01:16,480 –> 00:01:19,699Bible itself actually addresses these issues.2400:01:19,699 –> 00:01:22,580It does more than call us to generosity.2500:01:22,580 –> 00:01:24,099We’ve looked at that in the scriptures2600:01:24,139 –> 00:01:29,000but it lays out principles for the church of Jesus Christ, the2700:01:29,000 –> 00:01:33,919body of Christ to handle finances that are given with2800:01:33,919 –> 00:01:38,680integrity and with transparency and with accountability.2900:01:38,919 –> 00:01:42,320That’s actually in the Bible and I think it’s a great3000:01:42,320 –> 00:01:44,919encouragement to know that the head of the church, our Lord3100:01:44,919 –> 00:01:48,500Jesus Christ, practically addresses these things and we’re3200:01:48,500 –> 00:01:49,800going to look at that together today.3300:01:49,800 –> 00:01:51,680It’s actually a very great important.3400:01:51,720 –> 00:01:53,480So join us today if you can.3500:01:53,519 –> 00:01:57,680In 2 Corinthians 8 and verse 10 today, as we continue the3600:01:57,680 –> 00:01:59,760message, a generous church.3700:02:00,000 –> 00:02:01,239Here is Pastor Colin.3800:02:02,040 –> 00:02:06,199How is Paul going to help these reluctant givers in Corinth to3900:02:06,199 –> 00:02:09,039become more like the generous givers in Macedonia?4000:02:10,860 –> 00:02:13,759How is he going to help people who really live in a world of4100:02:13,759 –> 00:02:15,419saying, how much do I have to give?4200:02:16,520 –> 00:02:18,100How much can I afford to give?4300:02:18,100 –> 00:02:23,320If that’s where you are, how could you move in the4400:02:23,320 –> 00:02:28,979direction of a more generous life?4500:02:30,800 –> 00:02:32,160Give proportionately.4600:02:33,160 –> 00:02:36,800If we’re to reflect and move in the direction of the Macedonians,4700:02:37,179 –> 00:02:40,639notice what Paul says now to the Corinthians in verses 104800:02:40,639 –> 00:02:41,380to 12.4900:02:41,979 –> 00:02:45,339He says, finish the work so that your eager willingness to do it5000:02:45,740 –> 00:02:49,979be matched by your completion of it according to your means.5100:02:51,300 –> 00:02:54,339For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according5200:02:54,339 –> 00:02:58,460to what one has not according to what one does not have.5300:02:58,460 –> 00:02:59,539Now here’s the principle.5400:03:00,380 –> 00:03:02,380You give out of what you have.5500:03:03,419 –> 00:03:06,800You give, in other words, in proportion to what the Lord has5600:03:06,800 –> 00:03:10,539trusted into your hands, what he has given you, not what he has5700:03:10,539 –> 00:03:13,960not given you, and not what you hope one day he might give to5800:03:13,960 –> 00:03:14,460you.5900:03:16,300 –> 00:03:21,000According to what you have, if you hear an evangelist who says,6000:03:21,899 –> 00:03:23,380give $1,000.6100:03:24,500 –> 00:03:27,619And even if you don’t have it, you know, ten times will be6200:03:27,619 –> 00:03:30,080returned to you, you know, within the year, switch off the6300:03:30,080 –> 00:03:33,820television program and don’t ever watch it again, because that6400:03:33,820 –> 00:03:38,699breaks the fundamental principle of great integrity that the6500:03:38,699 –> 00:03:40,039Apostle lays out here.6600:03:40,039 –> 00:03:44,639That our giving is to be a proportion of what we have, not6700:03:44,639 –> 00:03:47,300a proportion of what we do not have, and not a proportion of6800:03:47,300 –> 00:03:49,899what we hope to have.6900:03:51,000 –> 00:03:54,440That means that those who have more will give more, those who7000:03:54,440 –> 00:03:58,300have less will give less, the principle that Our Lord Jesus7100:03:58,300 –> 00:04:03,000spelled out in Luke chapter 12, from the one to whom much is7200:04:03,000 –> 00:04:06,539given, much will be expected.7300:04:06,860 –> 00:04:11,419The more you have, the greater the challenge it really is in7400:04:11,520 –> 00:04:14,619many ways to be truly generous.7500:04:15,520 –> 00:04:17,119Give proportionately.7600:04:17,119 –> 00:04:19,420Here’s something else very important, this is very7700:04:19,420 –> 00:04:24,320practical, give purposely.7800:04:24,320 –> 00:04:25,859Look at what Paul says in verse 13.7900:04:25,859 –> 00:04:29,220Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are8000:04:29,220 –> 00:04:33,660hard pressed, but that there might be equality.8100:04:33,660 –> 00:04:36,279Now, you see what Paul’s saying here.8200:04:36,279 –> 00:04:38,279He’s saying that, what’s giving for?8300:04:39,279 –> 00:04:43,880Christian giving is not so that some who do the giving will end8400:04:43,880 –> 00:04:49,179up hard pressed, while others who benefit from the giving8500:04:49,179 –> 00:04:52,820end up living in the lap of luxury.8600:04:52,820 –> 00:04:56,980And what I’m saying here is if you see a Christian ministry8700:04:56,980 –> 00:05:05,579that has ended up promoting the head of that ministry into a8800:05:05,920 –> 00:05:10,140luxurious and inordinate lifestyle, don’t give to that8900:05:10,140 –> 00:05:13,540ministry, don’t do it.9000:05:13,540 –> 00:05:18,779Because the purpose of Christian ministry is not to make9100:05:18,779 –> 00:05:22,480multi-millionaires out of Christian leaders.9200:05:22,480 –> 00:05:25,279That’s what he’s saying right here.9300:05:25,279 –> 00:05:28,940And if that has offended you, I just want to say that would9400:05:28,940 –> 00:05:32,600offend the Apostle Paul and the Lord Jesus Christ and it will be9500:05:32,720 –> 00:05:37,220part of what he deals with on the last day.9600:05:37,220 –> 00:05:40,899What is the purpose of Christian giving?9700:05:40,899 –> 00:05:45,140Not that some should give so that others should be living in9800:05:45,140 –> 00:05:46,500the lap of luxury.9900:05:46,500 –> 00:05:48,700What is the purpose of Christian giving?10000:05:48,700 –> 00:05:52,940There are three primary purposes in the New Testament10100:05:52,940 –> 00:05:53,760for Christian giving.10200:05:53,760 –> 00:05:56,640Let’s have them clear in our minds, and I tell you, I thank10300:05:56,640 –> 00:06:00,260God that there clearly reflected in our church use of10400:06:00,260 –> 00:06:02,339the money that is trusted to this church.10500:06:02,339 –> 00:06:07,339Number one, Christian giving should be to relief the needs10600:06:07,359 –> 00:06:08,579of the poor.10700:06:08,579 –> 00:06:12,700That is why Paul was giving money and rather raising money10800:06:12,700 –> 00:06:16,119here, the Christians in Jerusalem were facing10900:06:16,119 –> 00:06:20,380grinding poverty and so other churches, believers11000:06:20,380 –> 00:06:23,739from other churches contributed to the relief of the needs11100:06:23,739 –> 00:06:24,579of the poor.11200:06:24,579 –> 00:06:26,940You find this all over the New Testament.11300:06:26,940 –> 00:06:29,260Galatians chapter two and verse 10,11400:06:29,260 –> 00:06:31,100you find the Apostle saying to Paul,11500:06:31,100 –> 00:06:33,119you go on this mission to the Gentiles11600:06:33,119 –> 00:06:35,339but don’t forget the needs of the poor.11700:06:35,339 –> 00:06:38,600And Paul says, that’s exactly what I was eager to do.11800:06:38,600 –> 00:06:42,179Galatians six and verse 10, whenever we have opportunity11900:06:42,179 –> 00:06:44,619to do good to all people, let’s grasp it,12000:06:44,619 –> 00:06:47,980Paul says especially towards those who are in the family12100:06:47,980 –> 00:06:48,820of believers.12200:06:48,820 –> 00:06:50,420So there’s a priority.12300:06:50,420 –> 00:06:52,779If there are brothers and sisters in particular,12400:06:52,779 –> 00:06:55,779physical, financial need, we have a responsibility12500:06:55,779 –> 00:06:57,940in that regard and Christians are to give12600:06:57,940 –> 00:06:59,200towards the needs of the poor.12700:06:59,200 –> 00:07:02,820Second, Christians are to give to support12800:07:02,820 –> 00:07:07,820the ministries of those we send.12900:07:07,980 –> 00:07:10,679See, we are trusted with the gospel13000:07:10,679 –> 00:07:13,399and does the church of Jesus Christ,13100:07:13,399 –> 00:07:16,100we’re one church among many but the churches13200:07:16,100 –> 00:07:18,660of Jesus Christ are commanded to take the gospel13300:07:18,660 –> 00:07:19,799to the ends of the earth.13400:07:19,799 –> 00:07:22,380That means we must send missionaries13500:07:22,380 –> 00:07:24,559and if we send missionaries around the world,13600:07:24,559 –> 00:07:27,320we must support those who we send.13700:07:27,320 –> 00:07:29,279First Corinthians chapter nine,13800:07:29,279 –> 00:07:31,399the apostle Paul talks about missionaries13900:07:31,399 –> 00:07:33,679who are advancing the gospel and he says14000:07:33,679 –> 00:07:37,079who serves as a soldier at his own expense?14100:07:37,079 –> 00:07:40,260Send out a soldier it’s not at his own expense.14200:07:40,260 –> 00:07:42,000Verse 14 of 1 Corinthians 9,14300:07:42,000 –> 00:07:45,459the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel14400:07:45,459 –> 00:07:48,519should receive their living from the gospel.14500:07:48,519 –> 00:07:51,839He’s talking in this situation about missionaries14600:07:51,839 –> 00:07:56,040who are sent and commissioned by the church.14700:07:56,040 –> 00:07:59,399So we are to give money and we are to use money14800:07:59,399 –> 00:08:01,500for the relief of the needs of the poor14900:08:01,500 –> 00:08:04,239for the supportive ministries of those we send15000:08:04,239 –> 00:08:08,579and thirdly for the ministries of those we call.15100:08:08,579 –> 00:08:10,859The church clearly has a responsibility there15200:08:10,859 –> 00:08:14,160and you would find that in First Timothy chapter five15300:08:14,160 –> 00:08:17,540where Paul speaks about the elders or the pastors15400:08:17,540 –> 00:08:20,480who served the local church and he says this.15500:08:20,480 –> 00:08:24,140The elders who direct the affairs of the church well15600:08:24,140 –> 00:08:27,559are worthy of double honor especially those15700:08:27,559 –> 00:08:30,119whose work is preaching and teaching15800:08:30,119 –> 00:08:34,119for the scripture says do not muzzle the ox15900:08:34,119 –> 00:08:36,960while it is treading the grain16000:08:36,960 –> 00:08:40,299and the worker deserves his wages.16100:08:41,340 –> 00:08:44,239I said to my wife, I’m not really sure how16200:08:44,239 –> 00:08:47,880I would feel about being described as the ox16300:08:47,880 –> 00:08:50,640who treads the grain and not being muzzled16400:08:50,640 –> 00:08:54,460but the principle that Paul is laying out here16500:08:54,460 –> 00:08:58,200is that alongside relief of the needs of the poor16600:08:58,200 –> 00:09:01,000and the support of the ministries those we send16700:09:01,000 –> 00:09:03,619Christian giving is to be used for the support16800:09:03,619 –> 00:09:06,619of the ministries of those we call.16900:09:06,619 –> 00:09:08,859These are the three things.17000:09:08,859 –> 00:09:10,099You’re listening to Open the Bible17100:09:10,099 –> 00:09:11,380with Pastor Colin Smith,17200:09:11,380 –> 00:09:13,659in a message called a generous church.17300:09:13,659 –> 00:09:16,239It’s part of our series And Generous Life17400:09:16,239 –> 00:09:19,739and it’s based today on 2 Corinthians 8.17500:09:19,739 –> 00:09:20,580If you join later17600:09:20,640 –> 00:09:21,900we all have to leave early17700:09:21,900 –> 00:09:23,219or want to go back and listen17800:09:23,219 –> 00:09:24,419to any of the messages again,17900:09:24,419 –> 00:09:26,760you can do that by coming to our website18000:09:26,760 –> 00:09:28,140openthebible.org.uk18100:09:29,539 –> 00:09:32,140or if you prefer a podcast format,18200:09:32,140 –> 00:09:33,760go to your favourite podcast site,18300:09:33,760 –> 00:09:36,659search there for Open the Bible UK.18400:09:36,659 –> 00:09:39,380Back to the message now here again is Pastor Colin.18500:09:40,340 –> 00:09:41,799Now that’s most of our time18600:09:41,799 –> 00:09:44,239on this first and very important theme.18700:09:44,239 –> 00:09:46,359We’re talking about what a church looks like18800:09:46,359 –> 00:09:49,020if it reflects the character18900:09:49,020 –> 00:09:51,200of our Lord Jesus Christ.19000:09:51,200 –> 00:09:53,880And the first distinguishing mark here19100:09:53,880 –> 00:09:58,520will be generosity in the giving of money.19200:09:58,520 –> 00:09:59,440In these last few minutes19300:09:59,440 –> 00:10:00,559I want to draw your attention19400:10:00,559 –> 00:10:03,000to a second thing that is also very important19500:10:03,000 –> 00:10:05,840and that is this whole matter of integrity19600:10:05,840 –> 00:10:09,659in relation to the handling of money.19700:10:09,659 –> 00:10:11,159And you know from time to time19800:10:11,159 –> 00:10:13,000it comes across our television screens19900:10:13,000 –> 00:10:15,400that there is some investigation going on20000:10:15,559 –> 00:10:17,440into some Christian ministry20100:10:17,440 –> 00:10:19,559or ministries that are alleged20200:10:19,559 –> 00:10:23,440to have engaged in impropriety20300:10:23,440 –> 00:10:25,380in the way that money is handled.20400:10:26,280 –> 00:10:29,919That does such damage to the cause of Christ.20500:10:31,640 –> 00:10:35,919And so this whole matter of integrity20600:10:35,919 –> 00:10:38,820in the way that money is handled20700:10:38,820 –> 00:10:42,780is critical to the advance of the gospel.20800:10:42,780 –> 00:10:44,960Let me show you what the Apostle Paul says here.20900:10:44,960 –> 00:10:49,960Verse 20, we want to avoid any criticism21000:10:51,080 –> 00:10:54,000of the way that we administer this liberal gift.21100:10:54,000 –> 00:10:55,200He’s raising money.21200:10:55,200 –> 00:10:56,359He says, we’ve got to be real careful21300:10:56,359 –> 00:10:57,520how we handle the money.21400:10:58,580 –> 00:11:01,719For we are taking pains, he says, verse 21,21500:11:01,719 –> 00:11:06,359to do what is right, not only in the eyes of God21600:11:06,359 –> 00:11:08,640but also in the eyes of men, very important.21700:11:08,640 –> 00:11:10,679Not just enough that Paul’s conscience is clear21800:11:10,679 –> 00:11:12,719before the Lord that he’s done right.21900:11:13,599 –> 00:11:17,760It needs to be obvious to all who are observing22000:11:18,960 –> 00:11:21,159that the way that the money is handled22100:11:21,159 –> 00:11:25,880is marked by integrity and is utterly free22200:11:27,039 –> 00:11:31,119of any impropriety and a church22300:11:31,119 –> 00:11:33,080that reflects the character of God will be marked22400:11:33,080 –> 00:11:36,039not only by generosity in giving money22500:11:36,039 –> 00:11:39,179but integrity in handling money.22600:11:40,179 –> 00:11:43,700The money that is given to the church22700:11:43,700 –> 00:11:46,520of the Lord Jesus Christ is sacred.22800:11:47,919 –> 00:11:50,299It has been given by God’s people22900:11:51,500 –> 00:11:53,840and it is to be used for God’s work.23000:11:54,900 –> 00:11:58,340It must be administered with the highest care23100:11:58,340 –> 00:12:02,739and integrity, it must be used very carefully23200:12:02,739 –> 00:12:04,799with wisdom and with restraint23300:12:04,799 –> 00:12:08,340and always for the purpose for which it was given.23400:12:10,179 –> 00:12:12,659I found writing 400 years ago.23500:12:12,659 –> 00:12:16,179Now, think about this, 400 years ago, over 400,23600:12:16,179 –> 00:12:18,440John Calvin said, and I quote,23700:12:18,440 –> 00:12:22,979”There is nothing which is more apt to lay one open23800:12:22,979 –> 00:12:27,979to sinister imputations than the handling of public money.”23900:12:28,859 –> 00:12:31,119Now, Calvin said over 400 years ago,24000:12:31,119 –> 00:12:33,979it’s a real sensitive issue and guess what?24100:12:33,979 –> 00:12:36,179It’s a real sensitive issue today24200:12:36,179 –> 00:12:38,780because it is always and in every culture24300:12:38,799 –> 00:12:42,400a really sensitive issue.24400:12:42,400 –> 00:12:46,219So financial accountability is essential24500:12:46,219 –> 00:12:49,179to the health and the testimony24600:12:49,179 –> 00:12:51,619of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.24700:12:51,619 –> 00:12:53,299Now, I want you to notice Paul’s example24800:12:53,299 –> 00:12:55,340of accountability, very practical.24900:12:55,340 –> 00:12:58,940Here’s accountability that honors25000:12:58,940 –> 00:13:01,219our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.25100:13:01,219 –> 00:13:04,419Notice verse 19, he says that he wants this offering25200:13:04,419 –> 00:13:07,320which we administer to be handled in a way25300:13:07,320 –> 00:13:09,580that brings honor to the Lord Jesus Christ.25400:13:09,580 –> 00:13:13,400That’s big for a local church.25500:13:13,400 –> 00:13:14,280How did he do it?25600:13:14,280 –> 00:13:18,140Number one, Paul did not handle the money himself.25700:13:19,200 –> 00:13:21,419Since he received money from the churches25800:13:21,419 –> 00:13:22,960that supported his ministry,25900:13:22,960 –> 00:13:25,119it was very important that he himself26000:13:25,119 –> 00:13:29,900did not handle the money that was trusted to others.26100:13:29,900 –> 00:13:31,159I think of Doctor Billy Graham26200:13:31,159 –> 00:13:33,719and what a marvelous model he is26300:13:33,719 –> 00:13:36,679and oh, that his marvelous model26400:13:36,700 –> 00:13:38,640has been consistently followed.26500:13:39,520 –> 00:13:42,000And he began with his crusades,26600:13:42,000 –> 00:13:45,960refusing to take independent love offerings,26700:13:45,960 –> 00:13:48,640placing himself on a salary,26800:13:48,640 –> 00:13:52,239refusing directly to handle the finances26900:13:52,239 –> 00:13:56,520of his own organization and publishing audited accounts27000:13:56,520 –> 00:13:58,280after every crusade27100:13:58,280 –> 00:14:00,659that the Billy Graham organization conducted.27200:14:00,659 –> 00:14:02,719That that is a model of integrity27300:14:03,719 –> 00:14:07,859which reflects Christ-like character.27400:14:07,859 –> 00:14:09,440Paul did not handle the money himself.27500:14:09,440 –> 00:14:14,440Second, the church elected a person to oversee the money.27600:14:14,700 –> 00:14:16,580Do you notice that in verse 19,27700:14:16,580 –> 00:14:19,760there was a brother chosen by the churches27800:14:19,760 –> 00:14:22,799who accompanied the gift in being physically carried27900:14:22,799 –> 00:14:26,080from Corinth all the way to Jerusalem.28000:14:26,080 –> 00:14:30,460And we can thank God for a similar arrangement28100:14:30,580 –> 00:14:32,780in which the treasurer of this church28200:14:32,780 –> 00:14:35,380is elected by the congregation28300:14:35,380 –> 00:14:40,380so that openly and on a continuing basis,28400:14:40,380 –> 00:14:41,659there might be engagement28500:14:41,659 –> 00:14:43,659and that there might be the building of trust.28600:14:43,659 –> 00:14:47,280Number three, the money was administered28700:14:47,280 –> 00:14:51,080not by any one individual, but by a team.28800:14:51,080 –> 00:14:54,919Notice verse 17, Paul tells them that Titus was coming28900:14:54,919 –> 00:14:56,700and that Titus was someone29000:14:56,700 –> 00:14:58,619who was already known by the church29100:14:58,719 –> 00:15:01,840because he had been there in Corinth before.29200:15:01,840 –> 00:15:04,820Verse 18, along with Corinth,29300:15:04,820 –> 00:15:06,500we are sending the brother29400:15:06,500 –> 00:15:08,200who is praised in all the churches,29500:15:08,200 –> 00:15:10,539verse 18, for his service to the gospel.29600:15:10,539 –> 00:15:12,580So there’s two and verse 22,29700:15:12,580 –> 00:15:15,020in addition, we are sending with them29800:15:15,020 –> 00:15:16,940the brother who has often proved to us29900:15:16,940 –> 00:15:18,440in many ways, that he is zealous.30000:15:18,440 –> 00:15:20,659So there’s a team, there’s plurality.30100:15:20,659 –> 00:15:23,059There’s a number of eyes on this30200:15:23,059 –> 00:15:25,400so that not only is it right before God,30300:15:25,440 –> 00:15:28,059but it is quite evident and beyond reproach30400:15:28,059 –> 00:15:30,479in the eyes of the people.30500:15:31,320 –> 00:15:33,700Fourthly, the team were people30600:15:33,700 –> 00:15:36,320of known character and integrity.30700:15:36,320 –> 00:15:37,840Notice this constant emphasis,30800:15:37,840 –> 00:15:40,200verse 18, the brother who’s praised30900:15:40,200 –> 00:15:42,840in all the churches, he’s respected, he’s known.31000:15:42,840 –> 00:15:44,780Then this other brother, verse 19,31100:15:44,780 –> 00:15:46,299who was chosen by the churches,31200:15:46,299 –> 00:15:48,400so obviously, they had confidence in him.31300:15:48,400 –> 00:15:50,280Verse 22, the brother who has proved31400:15:50,280 –> 00:15:52,159in many ways, that he is zealous.31500:15:52,159 –> 00:15:54,719So the handling of money is trusted31600:15:54,739 –> 00:15:57,039to people who are known and have demonstrated31700:15:57,039 –> 00:16:00,099over a period of time in the local church31800:16:00,099 –> 00:16:05,099integrity and trustworthiness that is evident to all.31900:16:05,679 –> 00:16:09,320Now, I tell you as I pondered this theme32000:16:09,320 –> 00:16:11,539over these last days,32100:16:12,599 –> 00:16:15,559these scriptures have caused me,32200:16:15,559 –> 00:16:18,700and I hope they cause you also this weekend,32300:16:19,719 –> 00:16:22,679to thank God in a fresh way32400:16:22,679 –> 00:16:26,400for the ministry of all those who serve the church,32500:16:26,400 –> 00:16:28,640serve us and serve the Lord32600:16:29,679 –> 00:16:31,799by making sure that the offerings32700:16:31,799 –> 00:16:34,599that are given in this place are administered32800:16:34,599 –> 00:16:38,140in a way that honors Jesus Christ.32900:16:39,340 –> 00:16:41,359I’m thinking about the teams.33000:16:41,359 –> 00:16:42,260Always a team.33100:16:43,400 –> 00:16:45,059The teams who count money,33200:16:46,440 –> 00:16:49,020those who oversee our accounts,33300:16:50,020 –> 00:16:52,539those who serve on our finance committee,33400:16:53,500 –> 00:16:56,539our business administrator, our financial secretary,33500:16:56,539 –> 00:16:58,599our treasurer, the church board,33600:16:58,599 –> 00:17:01,619our independent and external auditors33700:17:01,619 –> 00:17:03,039who do a marvelous job,33800:17:04,819 –> 00:17:08,140all together serving us, the congregation,33900:17:08,140 –> 00:17:13,140so that the offering of God’s people in this place34000:17:14,099 –> 00:17:17,300might be administered, that’s Paul’s word,34100:17:17,300 –> 00:17:21,099in a way that honors the Lord.34200:17:21,099 –> 00:17:23,459Now here’s the very last thing,34300:17:23,459 –> 00:17:26,439a church that reflects the character of God34400:17:26,439 –> 00:17:30,699will be marked by generosity in giving money34500:17:30,699 –> 00:17:33,619and integrity in handling money.34600:17:34,599 –> 00:17:37,959Generosity matters because it reflects34700:17:37,959 –> 00:17:40,420the wonderful truth that God is kind.34800:17:41,180 –> 00:17:43,839And integrity matters because it reflects34900:17:43,839 –> 00:17:47,060the wonderful truth that God can be trusted.35000:17:47,859 –> 00:17:51,119So a church that is marked by generosity and integrity35100:17:51,119 –> 00:17:53,319truly reflects the character of God35200:17:53,319 –> 00:17:55,819in ways that are critical to our witness35300:17:55,819 –> 00:17:58,380to his grace in this world.35400:17:58,380 –> 00:18:00,780And think about how important this is35500:18:00,780 –> 00:18:03,079because we live at a time35600:18:03,079 –> 00:18:05,540where there are many people35700:18:05,540 –> 00:18:08,660who are utterly wrapped up in self-interest35800:18:08,920 –> 00:18:11,839and there are many, many people35900:18:11,839 –> 00:18:14,619who have betrayed trust.36000:18:14,619 –> 00:18:17,060The sense of betrayed trust36100:18:17,079 –> 00:18:18,420in our culture right now36200:18:18,420 –> 00:18:19,719in relation to money36300:18:19,719 –> 00:18:21,599is everywhere.36400:18:21,599 –> 00:18:25,400The sense of consuming self-interest36500:18:25,400 –> 00:18:26,500has been everywhere.36600:18:26,500 –> 00:18:28,760It has exasperated36700:18:28,760 –> 00:18:32,060the citizens of this country.36800:18:32,060 –> 00:18:34,500And where are we to look for hope36900:18:34,500 –> 00:18:36,920when the people feel oppressed37000:18:36,920 –> 00:18:39,579by a culture of self-interest37100:18:39,579 –> 00:18:43,260and the abuse of public trust?37200:18:43,260 –> 00:18:44,540And maybe more privately,37300:18:44,979 –> 00:18:46,280right here there are probably37400:18:46,280 –> 00:18:48,479a dozen people37500:18:48,479 –> 00:18:51,359who know deeply this experience.37600:18:51,359 –> 00:18:53,939You thought someone cared about you37700:18:53,939 –> 00:18:55,020and then you found out37800:18:55,020 –> 00:18:56,380to your horror and your pain37900:18:56,380 –> 00:18:58,180they were really only interested38000:18:58,180 –> 00:19:00,579in themselves.38100:19:00,579 –> 00:19:03,219You trusted someone38200:19:03,219 –> 00:19:04,099and then you found out38300:19:04,099 –> 00:19:05,319to your shock and your horror38400:19:05,319 –> 00:19:07,540that that trust that was so great38500:19:07,540 –> 00:19:09,760was smashed38600:19:09,760 –> 00:19:10,699and you began to feel38700:19:10,699 –> 00:19:11,819you could never, never,38800:19:11,819 –> 00:19:14,380never trust anybody again.38900:19:14,380 –> 00:19:16,199Living in a world of self-interest39000:19:16,199 –> 00:19:17,219and betrayed trust39100:19:17,219 –> 00:19:19,500makes thousands39200:19:19,500 –> 00:19:22,219cynical, jaded39300:19:22,219 –> 00:19:25,439tired.39400:19:25,439 –> 00:19:29,500And if that’s your story today39500:19:29,500 –> 00:19:31,339I want to point you39600:19:31,339 –> 00:19:32,520in this last moment39700:19:32,520 –> 00:19:36,079to Jesus Christ.39800:19:36,079 –> 00:19:38,560There is39900:19:38,560 –> 00:19:40,459in this culture of self-interest40000:19:40,459 –> 00:19:43,400in this world of self-interest40100:19:43,680 –> 00:19:46,040one40200:19:46,040 –> 00:19:47,400who really40300:19:47,400 –> 00:19:48,560truly40400:19:48,560 –> 00:19:49,640holy40500:19:49,640 –> 00:19:51,579and completely40600:19:51,579 –> 00:19:53,979loves you.40700:19:53,979 –> 00:19:55,060He40800:19:55,060 –> 00:19:56,699who was rich40900:19:56,699 –> 00:19:59,959for your sake became poor41000:19:59,959 –> 00:20:03,160so that through his poverty41100:20:03,160 –> 00:20:06,380you might become rich.41200:20:06,380 –> 00:20:08,540And in a world of betrayed trust41300:20:08,540 –> 00:20:10,719there is one41400:20:10,719 –> 00:20:12,560who will never never never41500:20:12,560 –> 00:20:13,219let you down.41600:20:13,219 –> 00:20:15,800You can trust this Jesus Christ41700:20:15,800 –> 00:20:17,579with your life, your death,41800:20:17,579 –> 00:20:18,540your eternity,41900:20:18,540 –> 00:20:19,300Paul says,42000:20:19,300 –> 00:20:23,359those who trust in him42100:20:23,359 –> 00:20:26,520will never be put to shame.42200:20:26,520 –> 00:20:27,959If this climate in which we live42300:20:27,959 –> 00:20:28,819is making you say42400:20:28,819 –> 00:20:30,739where can I put my trust?42500:20:30,739 –> 00:20:35,500Let me point you to Jesus Christ tonight.42600:20:35,500 –> 00:20:37,020At the end of his life42700:20:37,020 –> 00:20:38,300the apostle Paul42800:20:38,300 –> 00:20:39,619who had42900:20:39,619 –> 00:20:41,099embraced Christ43000:20:41,099 –> 00:20:42,579as Savior and Lord43100:20:42,579 –> 00:20:44,060of every sphere of his life43200:20:44,060 –> 00:20:45,459he said this,43300:20:45,459 –> 00:20:49,680I know whom I have believed43400:20:49,680 –> 00:20:51,619and I’m persuaded that he is able43500:20:51,619 –> 00:20:54,420to keep what I’ve entrusted43600:20:54,420 –> 00:20:56,640to him43700:20:56,640 –> 00:20:59,819against that day.43800:20:59,819 –> 00:21:00,699When you know the grace43900:21:00,699 –> 00:21:03,500of the Lord Jesus Christ,44000:21:03,500 –> 00:21:04,739when he becomes truly44100:21:04,739 –> 00:21:06,099the Lord and Savior44200:21:06,099 –> 00:21:08,199of your life,44300:21:08,199 –> 00:21:10,060when he begins to take control44400:21:10,060 –> 00:21:10,900of your life44500:21:10,939 –> 00:21:13,140and to give it new direction,44600:21:13,140 –> 00:21:14,979you will find44700:21:14,979 –> 00:21:18,719one who truly loves you44800:21:18,719 –> 00:21:20,819and one in whom you can trust44900:21:20,819 –> 00:21:23,339for life and death and eternity45000:21:23,339 –> 00:21:26,939and as you walk with him45100:21:26,939 –> 00:21:28,420he will make you45200:21:28,420 –> 00:21:29,859increasingly one45300:21:29,859 –> 00:21:32,579who is generous45400:21:32,579 –> 00:21:33,739and he will make of you45500:21:33,739 –> 00:21:35,300one who increasingly45600:21:35,300 –> 00:21:39,900can be trusted.45700:21:40,880 –> 00:21:42,439For those who know the grace45800:21:42,439 –> 00:21:45,400of our lord Jesus Christ45900:21:45,400 –> 00:21:48,219that’s what he does.46000:21:48,219 –> 00:21:52,140A helpful reminder there from Pastor Colin Smith that a church that reflects the46100:21:52,140 –> 00:21:53,459character of God46200:21:53,459 –> 00:21:56,099will be generous in the way they give money46300:21:56,099 –> 00:21:59,780and have integrity in the way they handle money.46400:21:59,780 –> 00:22:02,920You’ve been listening to Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith46500:22:02,920 –> 00:22:04,300and a message called46600:22:04,300 –> 00:22:05,819A Generous Church.46700:22:05,819 –> 00:22:10,400It’s from our series A Generous life and if you’ve missed any of the series46800:22:10,400 –> 00:22:13,660don’t forget you can easily catch up or go back and listen again46900:22:13,660 –> 00:22:15,880by coming online to our website47000:22:15,880 –> 00:22:18,880that’s at openthebible.org.uk47100:22:18,880 –> 00:22:22,819or if you’ve prefer to listen to a podcast at your own convenience47200:22:22,819 –> 00:22:26,300those are available on all the main podcast sites and you can find them47300:22:26,300 –> 00:22:28,920by searching for openthebible.co.uk47400:22:28,920 –> 00:22:32,400or by following the link from our website.47500:22:32,400 –> 00:22:35,219Also on our website and available as a podcast47600:22:35,239 –> 00:22:37,359you can find Open the Bible Daily47700:22:37,359 –> 00:22:40,939that’s our series have two to three-minute daily reflections47800:22:40,939 –> 00:22:45,520based on Pastor Colin’s teaching and read this month by Sally Workman47900:22:45,540 –> 00:22:48,099Open the Bible Daily48000:22:48,099 –> 00:22:52,199In the run-up to Christmas at Open the Bible we want to provide churches48100:22:52,199 –> 00:22:55,239and groups with great supporting material48200:22:55,239 –> 00:22:59,420Colin what can Open the Bible to do this Christmas to provide churches48300:22:59,420 –> 00:23:02,819and community groups with resource materials?48400:23:02,880 –> 00:23:06,780Well Christmas is coming and perhaps you’re already thinking about how you’ll48500:23:06,780 –> 00:23:07,920help your church48600:23:07,920 –> 00:23:11,500and your local community engage with The Christmas Story48700:23:11,500 –> 00:23:15,300this Advent. Well we put together personal stories48800:23:15,300 –> 00:23:18,339Advent resources pack for church leaders48900:23:18,339 –> 00:23:22,500It’s built around our book Christmas Stories which explores the Christmas49000:23:22,500 –> 00:23:23,939Story through the eyes49100:23:23,939 –> 00:23:27,719of five biblical characters the pack49200:23:27,719 –> 00:23:30,839includes alive nativity scoops49300:23:31,160 –> 00:23:33,119There are five Advent sermons49400:23:33,119 –> 00:23:36,520there are Bible study questions and there is customizable49500:23:36,520 –> 00:23:39,680artwork to help you publicize your own49600:23:39,680 –> 00:23:42,699event. & It’s all free so49700:23:42,699 –> 00:23:45,719visit open the Bible dot org dot UK49800:23:45,719 –> 00:23:49,160and sign up to receive your Advent resources pack49900:23:49,160 –> 00:23:52,959today. Regular listeners will know that50000:23:52,959 –> 00:23:56,420Open the Bible is supported by our listeners50100:23:56,420 –> 00:24:00,319and if you already give to support our work thank you so much50200:24:00,560 –> 00:24:04,640If you’d like to become one of our supporters here’s Open The Bible’s Amanda50300:24:04,640 –> 00:24:05,199Cunningham50400:24:05,199 –> 00:24:08,339to tell you about a special offer. Thanks David50500:24:08,339 –> 00:24:11,599our book of the month for October is Hallelujah50600:24:11,599 –> 00:24:15,780by Dave and Sally GOBET a beautiful Christmas devotional50700:24:15,780 –> 00:24:19,219inspired by Handel’s Messiah and the words of scripture50800:24:19,219 –> 00:24:22,579I read this devotional last Advent with my family50900:24:22,579 –> 00:24:27,260and found it a real blessing. Each day combines a short reflection with a51000:24:28,079 –> 00:24:29,599Hallelujah Chorus to listen to51100:24:29,599 –> 00:24:32,560you can receive your free copy when you donate51200:24:32,560 –> 00:24:37,160a one-off gift of at least £60 or set up a new direct debit51300:24:37,160 –> 00:24:41,880of £5 or more. Thank you so much for supporting the work of Open the Bible UK51400:24:41,880 –> 00:24:44,979and please do remember to leave your name51500:24:44,979 –> 00:24:49,420and address when you donate, so that we know where to send your free book51600:24:49,420 –> 00:24:52,739Thanks Amanda, so our website address again is51700:24:52,739 –> 00:24:57,160openthebible.org.uk and there you’ll find full terms and51800:24:57,180 –> 00:24:59,760conditions and all the details about this offer.51900:24:59,760 –> 00:25:03,579For Open the Bible and Pastor Colin Smith. I’m David Pick52000:25:03,579 –> 00:25:07,260I’m glad you joined us today and I hope to see you again next time on52100:25:07,260 –> 00:25:14,260Open the Bible52200:25:17,680 –> 00:25:22,079How do you decide how much you’ll give and how much you’ll spend?52300:25:22,079 –> 00:25:25,920Here’s a helpful picture in the Bible. Hear about that52400:25:25,920 –> 00:25:28,160next time on Open the Bible