A Call To Contribute – MEDIA LIBRARY

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Table of Contents

Sermon Notes: A Call to Contribute

Summary

This message delves into the concept of contribution within a spiritual context, drawing parallels between the Old Testament construction of the Tabernacle and the modern-day church. The central theme revolves around the idea that God desires a heart willing to contribute, not out of obligation, but from a place of genuine love and devotion. The message emphasizes that God establishes covenants with people, not contracts, highlighting the enduring nature of divine promises. It recounts the story of the Israelites’ voluntary contributions towards building the Tabernacle, emphasizing that these offerings were made freely, stirred by their hearts and spirits, and were above the required tithe. The importance of a willing heart is underscored, stating that God responds to sacrifice and the sincere offerings of His people. This act of contribution, it is argued, is a response to the covenant relationship established with God, reflecting a desire to participate in His work and to make room for others to encounter Him. The message underscores that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of this principle, and that our own acts of giving should reflect a similar spirit of selfless devotion.

The message further elaborates on the concept of sacrifice as a mechanism God uses to draw people to Himself and to demonstrate His faithfulness. It argues that while nothing can augment the sacrifice of Jesus for our salvation, our subsequent acts of giving and service are significant expressions of our love and gratitude. The narrative of the speaker’s own conversion is shared, illustrating how the sacrifices of previous believers created a space for him to encounter God. This personal testimony underscores the idea that making room for others, through acts of contribution, is a powerful way to extend God’s kingdom. The message clarifies that true contribution is not about monetary value or material possessions, but about offering what one has with a heart full of love and obedience. It emphasizes that God values the heart behind the offering more than the offering itself, and that He desires a cheerful and willing giver. The message also clarifies that God provides the means for such contributions, ensuring that every act of giving is ultimately a reflection of His own generosity.

The message also stresses the importance of recognizing and appreciating the sacrifices made by those who came before us. It highlights that the opportunities and privileges we enjoy today are often the result of the contributions and sacrifices of past generations. The message encourages listeners to consider how they can make room for others to encounter God, emphasizing that this is the essence of the church’s mission. It stresses that the acts of giving are not done for personal recognition or reward, but for the glory of God. The example of the Israelites’ contributions towards the Tabernacle is used to illustrate this point, showing how their offerings were a direct response to God’s command and a reflection of their love for Him. The message underscores that this principle is not limited to the Old Testament, but is also evident in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul encourages the church to give generously and cheerfully.

The message concludes by affirming that God continues to work miracles and wonders in the present day, just as He did in the past. It encourages listeners to be attentive to these signs and to participate in God’s work by contributing their time, talents, and resources. It emphasizes that the church is a place where people can encounter God and experience His transforming power, and that it is through the collective contributions of its members that this mission is accomplished. The message calls for a renewed commitment to making room for others, both within the church and in the broader community, by extending hospitality, sharing the gospel, and serving those in need. It reiterates that true contribution is a reflection of a heart that has been touched by God’s love and that desires to share that love with others.

Quote: “God doesn’t need your money, but he does want your heart, especially a heart that’s entirely set and focused and given over to the Lord.”

Key Scriptures

Exodus 35:4-5: This passage commands the people to bring contributions to the Lord from a generous heart.
- NIV Link
Exodus 35:21: This verse describes how people brought contributions with willing hearts and moved spirits.
- NIV Link
Exodus 35:29: This scripture highlights that the offerings were free will offerings to the Lord.
- NIV Link
Exodus 34:10: This passage describes God making a covenant and doing marvelous things.
- NIV Link

Key Takeaways

God desires a heart willing to contribute, not just material possessions.
Sacrifice is a mechanism God uses to draw people to Himself.
True contribution is a response to a covenant relationship with God.
Making room for others to encounter God is a core mission of the church.
Contributions should be made freely and willingly, not out of obligation.
God values the heart behind the offering more than the offering itself.
The sacrifices of past believers have paved the way for current opportunities.
God provides the means for contributions, ensuring they reflect His generosity.
Recognizing and appreciating past sacrifices is essential for spiritual growth.
The church is a place where people can encounter God and experience transformation.

Questions To Consider

How can I cultivate a heart that is more willing to contribute to God’s work?
What sacrifices have others made that have allowed me to experience God’s grace?
In what ways can I make room for others to encounter God in my daily life?
How can I ensure that my contributions are motivated by love and devotion, rather than obligation?
What practical steps can I take to participate more fully in the mission of the church?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come before you today with a heart full of gratitude for your enduring covenant and your unwavering love. I ask that you would stir my heart and move my spirit to contribute to your work, not out of obligation, but from a place of genuine love and devotion. Help me to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices that have been made by those who came before me, and inspire me to make room for others to encounter you. Lord, I pray that my contributions, whether big or small, would be a reflection of my love for you and my desire to participate in your kingdom. Grant me a willing heart and a spirit of generosity, so that I may be a blessing to others and bring glory to your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Steps

1: Spiritual Reflection

Task 1: Reflect on Personal Sacrifice

Step 1: Find a quiet place to reflect.
Step 2: Consider the sacrifices others have made for your spiritual growth.
Step 3: Journal your thoughts and feelings.

Task 2: Evaluate Your Heart

Step 1: Honestly assess your motivations for giving.
Step 2: Pray for a heart that is willing and generous.
Step 3: Seek God’s guidance on how to contribute meaningfully.

2: Practical Application

Task 1: Identify Opportunities to Contribute

Step 1: Explore ways to give your time, talents, and resources to your church.
Step 2: Consider supporting local ministries or charitable organizations.
Step 3: Look for opportunities to serve those in need in your community.

Task 2: Make a Plan

Step 1: Set specific goals for giving and serving.
Step 2: Create a budget or schedule to allocate your resources.
Step 3: Regularly review and adjust your plan as needed.

Task 3: Act of Service

Step 1: Choose one act of service this week.
Step 2: Follow through with your commitment.
Step 3: Reflect on the impact of your service.

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Conclusion

This message emphasizes the importance of a heart that is willing to contribute, highlighting that true contribution is a response to a covenant relationship with God. It clarifies that sacrifice is a mechanism God uses to draw people to Himself and that our acts of giving should reflect a spirit of selfless devotion. The message underscores that making room for others to encounter God is a core mission of the church, and that this can be accomplished through acts of service, generosity, and hospitality. It encourages listeners to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices of past believers, and to participate actively in God’s work by contributing their time, talents, and resources. The message calls for a renewed commitment to making room for others, both within the church and in the broader community, by extending hospitality, sharing the gospel, and serving those in need. The key takeaway is that true contribution is a reflection of a heart that has been touched by God’s love and that desires to share that love with others, highlighting that God values the heart behind the offering more than the offering itself.

Test Your Understanding

God establishes ________ with his people, not contracts.
The people of Israel made a ________ to the Lord, not a payment.
True contribution comes from a ________ heart.
God doesn’t need your money, but he wants your ________.
Making ________ for others to encounter God is a core mission of the church.

Answers:

covenant
contribution
willing
heart
room

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