Grace Given, Grace Received.

Grace Given, Grace Received.

2 Corinthians 8:1-9AMP

Several years ago I read about a girl named Mary who had been born with a cleft palette. When she started school, her classmates teased and taunted her because of her imperfect appearance.

Mary soon became convinced that no one could love her. Little did she know that there was a second grade teacher who was liked by all the children.

Ms. Leonard was a cheerful woman, full of good humor and affection. Every year she checked the children's hearing with a simple test. The students would stand across the room from her as she whispered a question such as, “what color are your shoes?” Or, “Do you have a new dress?” And the children would answer.

When the time came for Mary's turn, she listen closely for the teacher to whisper. Then she heard these words: “I wish you were my little girl.”

Those words changed Mary's life forever—She realized she was loved, despite her flawed features, by someone who mattered—Ms. Leonard.

You matter. No exceptions. Remember this, Every man dies. Not every man really lives.

There wasn’t a lot of material wealth within the confines of the early church. In fact, believer’s and non-believers were living in hard times.

However, the fact is, Jesus had already place His seal of approval upon the Church. His Church, Matthew 16, Jesus proclaims that the very gates of hell, shall not prevail against the Church.

2 Corinthians 8:1-9AMP Now, brothers and sisters, we want to tell you about the grace of God which has been evident in the churches of Macedonia [awakening in them a longing to contribute]; 2 for during an ordeal of severe distress, their abundant joy and their deep poverty [together] overflowed in the wealth of their lavish generosity. 3 For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave voluntarily, 4 begging us insistently for the privilege of participating in the service for [the support of] the saints [in Jerusalem]. 5 Not only [did they give materially] as we had hoped, but first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us [as His representatives] by the will of God [disregarding their personal interests and giving as much as they possibly could]. 6 So we urged Titus that, as he began it, he should also complete this gracious work among you as well. 7 But just as you excel in everything, [and lead the way] in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in genuine concern, and in your love for us, see that you excel in this gracious work [of giving] also. 8 I am not saying this as a command [to dictate to you], but to prove, by [pointing out] the enthusiasm of others, the sincerity of your love as well. 9 For you are recognizing [more clearly] the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [His astonishing kindness, His generosity, His gracious favor], that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich (abundantly blessed).

Crane Eater Community Church is a people of Love, Prayer, and Grace.

I want to give you 7 steps in giving:

1. It’s time to receive grace and give grace.

Verse 1…The Grace of Jesus was evident in the churches of Macedonia [awakening in them a longing to contribute];

Have you ever had a longing to contribute? A desire, a passion to give.

Again, 1 Corinthians 8:1TPT Beloved ones, we must tell you about the grace God poured out upon the churches of Macedonia.

The grace of God poured out upon the churches of Macedonia.

Say, “Grace given.” Say, “Grace received.”

On numerous occasions the Apostles Paul writes about the grace given to him.

1 Corinthians 3:10NIV According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it.

Refuse to build your own Kingdom; however, build His Kingdom. In return, He will give you two. P.H

Romans 15:15NIV Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me.

The Macedonia churches gave and then, received grace. That’s how faith works. First ‘one’ must give, and then they receive.

How’s your giving going?

2. Give out of you joy.

However, not only do you give out of joy, but you give out of pain, sorrow, Give because you have a roof, give because you have food and water, give because you have clothes.

2 Corinthians 8:2TPT  For even during a season of severe difficulty, tremendous suffering, and extreme poverty, their super-abundant joy overflowed into an act of extravagant generosity.

Verse 2, tells the reader that the churches of Macedonia gave from the little they possessed. They gave when others should haven given to them.