Sermon
– “Transformed Living: Pennies in the Fountain”
Deuteronomy
8:11-18
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Book
of Deuteronomy Information: It means, “Second Law” because of its use of
repetition. It’s Moses’ last sermon to
the Israelites before his death. The
theology of Deuteronomy tends to be that if you follow the commands of God, God
will bless you.
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The
passage is a warning to not forget to worship and thank God for the many
blessings we have.
II
Corinthians 8:7-15
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This
2nd letter was probably written in 56/57 AD. It’s Paul’s most personal letter because
before this letter, Paul had visited them and it was painful and humiliating
(see 2:1-11) This prompted other
Christians to come to Corinth and criticize Paul and call into question his credentials. This letter focuses on the meaning of the
cross of Jesus in the way we live.
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Paul
was collecting an offering for the church in Jerusalem who were experiencing a
drought. To encourage the Corinthians to
give generously, Paul pointed out the generosity of the Macedonia Christians
who gave generously out of their extreme poverty.
Luke
20:45 – 21:4
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The
Gospel of Luke is addressed to Theophilus which means “lover of God.” We’re not sure if this was an actual person
or a creative way to refer to anyone who is a lover of God. This is part of a two volume history which
includes Acts. Written by Luke who was a
doctor and a friend of Paul. The Gospel
of Luke is particularly concerned for those who are marginalized and forgotten
in society.
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This
passage is a good example of how Luke highlights someone who would normally be
overlooked in Jesus’ day – a poor widow.
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God’s
people were not getting that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah and so Jesus
denounces their religious pretensions and praises the lowly widow. The money she is donating to the Temple is
going to the religious leaders who end up oppressing people like her!
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God’s
measure of spirituality and generosity is not the same as the world’s
view.
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