Imagine…
Bill Gates walks into your church. He is warmly greeted by the people. He sits. He listens. He gives to the work of the church.
You think to yourself, “I bet he gave a lot.” — Note: his current estimated worth is 107 billion.
Another person walks in. He is dressed poorly. Holes in his clothes. Hair disheveled. He looks like he hasn’t slept in days or had a good meal for many days. He is also warmly greeted. He sits. He listens. He also gives.
You think, “I bet he didn’t give much.”
After the service, the deacons count the giving. They find that Bill Gates gave a $500,000 check. They also find a giving envelope. In it are three worn-out quarters.
Who gave more to the work of the church?
Who is more celebrated by the church treasurer?
The lesson? The worth and value of one’s giving is determined by the cost it makes. That is, if it isn’t sacrificial, it isn’t giving. If it doesn’t cause you any discomfort, you didn’t really give.
The economics of God’s kingdom are not that of the world’s.
* Are you giving out of abundance or from need?
* Do you trust God to meet your needs, even when you give all you have?
By the way, that’s what Jesus taught.
41 Sitting across from the temple treasury, he watched how the crowd dropped money into the treasury. Many rich people were putting in large sums. 42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little. 43 Summoning his disciples, he said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had —all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44)
It isn’t about how **much** you can AFFORD to give **after** adding up all your bills. It’s about saying you are going to give an amount that says, “This will be somewhat painful, but the work of the ministry and the price of my soul have no price tag.”
“Where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.” (Matt. 6:21)
Sermon: True and False Religion
Sermon Text: Mark 12:38-44
SUMMARY: This sermon contrasts false religion, characterized by the scribes’ hypocrisy and desire for human approval, with true religion exemplified by a poor widow’s sacrificial giving. Using Mark 12 as the primary text, the message argues that financial stewardship is ultimately a reflection of one’s spiritual condition and devotion to God’s kingdom. The preacher challenges believers to examine their hearts, warning against religious arrogance and urging them to give proportionally and sacrificially rather than from mere abundance. True faith permeates every aspect of life, demanding total commitment to Christ rather than superficial observance. The central call is for congregants to align their resources and priorities with the glory of God, ensuring their hearts are fixed on eternal values.
