Every Christmas season, numerous ads and reports quote, “Tis better to give than to receive.” Almost none cite the source. Are they ashamed? Jesus declared, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). A great Gospel preacher, V.P. Black, observed that Acts 20:35 is the most disbelieved passage in the whole Bible. Do you believe Jesus that it is better to give than receive? Numerous surveys report the number one lesson that people do not want to hear at church is a message about giving. How much do parents enjoy giving to their children? How much do husbands love to give to their wives? Who wants to give to the church? This minister perceives that people simply do not see the purpose of the church anymore. The church’s eternal mission is to evangelize to the saved and the lost. The church’s eternal purpose is to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples. There is no greater world-changing message than the Gospel message that has shaped humanity for so much good. If you give, Jesus promised that God will give more back to you (Luke 6:38). Do you believe him? This message encourages believers to give to church and to others. God will bless you. This lesson presents these promises of God.

Scripture Reading: Luke 6:38 (read by Christopher Howell)

Lesson by Scott Shifferd

Recorded October 2, 2016 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL