Giving in Hard Times

In this text the apostle Paul commends the gnerous gift of the Macedonian Churches for the poor saints in Jerusalem--as an example for the Corinthians to follow when he visits them. The emphasis falls on their generous spirit, rather than the amount of their gift. The sermon develops what a generous spirit is and as something appropriate for us today in hard times similar (though not so great) as the poverty of the Macedonians. The sermon highlights four things about the generosity of the Macedonians: 1) The source; 2) The extent; 3) The freedom; and 4) What was foremost in their giving. This is not just a history, but the Word of the Lord to us.