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Generosity: A Breath of Fresh Faith

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In a world where the concept of stewardship often evokes thoughts of financial obligations, it is crucial to reframe our understanding of this profound principle. Stewardship is not merely a transactional act but a transformational journey that encompasses our entire spiritual and practical lives. “Generosity: A Breath of Fresh Faith” invites us to rediscover the true essence of stewardship, which is entire life management, as a transformative, spiritually enriching practice. Stewardship appropriately executed allows us to breathe, trust God, and seek His help daily. David implies this trust with, “…I’m leaping and singing in the circle of your love; you saw my pain, you disarmed my tormentors. You didn’t leave me in their clutches but gave me room to breathe” (MSB Psalm 31:6-8). This collection of twelve sermons dives deep into the heart of generosity, urging us to shift our perspective from transactional to relational. They aim to explore the depth and breadth of generosity and stewardship, urging us to see beyond the monetary aspects and embrace the relational and spiritual dimensions.

Stewardship, at its core, is an act of worship. It is about giving our all to the One who has given His all for us. This act of worship is integral to the everlasting gospel, as highlighted in Revelation 14:6-7 and the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. Worshiping God through stewardship is a joyful response to His supreme love and generosity, exemplified by Jesus Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit.

True stewardship begins with a relationship. It is about recognizing God as the Owner, and we are His servants—entire life managers. This relationship calls for revolutionary generosity, a shift in perspective that prioritizes the condition of the giver’s heart over the size of the gift. As Jesus taught, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Generosity is a matter of the heart and soul, reflecting our deep connection with God and our commitment to His mission. Stewardship, as presented in these sermons, is not merely about the act of giving money but about cultivating a profound relationship with our Creator.

Revolutionary generosity challenges us to move beyond mere acts of giving to a lifestyle of interactive and relational generosity. It calls us to engage with others, not just do things for them. This approach breaks down barriers and fosters genuine connections. For example, imagine a church group choosing to eat a meal with the homeless rather than just feeding them. Such acts embody the true heart of generosity. Through practical examples and Biblical teachings, this book encourages us to see stewardship as a holistic approach to life management.

In our journey of stewardship, we must embrace the seven basic stewardship lifestyle philosophies, known as the T7 Concept: Time, Temple, Talent (Terra), Treasure, Trust, Theology, and Testimony. These elements encompass all aspects of our lives and our relationship with God and His people. They remind us that stewardship is not just about managing resources but about living a life that reflects our faith and commitment to God’s kingdom.

As you delve into “Generosity: A Breath of Fresh Faith,” a collection of inspiring messages, we pray that you be inspired to breathe new life into your understanding of stewardship, which is one’s entire life management. Trust in God, seek His guidance and embrace the revolutionary generosity that transforms lives and communities. Let us journey together in this holistic approach to stewardship, finding joy in our relationship with God and in our service to others.

Michael A. Harpe, MA