Why Do We Give?
The sermon focuses on the importance of giving, particularly to Speed the Light, by addressing three key questions:
Why is giving important? – God commands us to give (Malachi 3:10), giving is foundational to Christianity (John 3:16), and it enables missionaries to spread the gospel.
Why should we give to Speed the Light? – It provides essential transportation, communication, and resources for missionaries, allowing them to reach the unreached.
Why do you give? – Each person must determine their motivation for giving, whether it's obedience, a heart for missions, or a desire to make an impact.
Ultimately, giving is an act of love for God and others, and students are encouraged to find creative ways to contribute.
Pastor Amanda challenged the students to set their personal Speed the Light goals for 2025, as well as come up with fundraising ideas that we can do as a group.
Keep up with all that’s going on at Amplify Youth, including dates, times, sign-ups, and forms, on our main page.
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Nightly Dinner Table Discussions: Speed the Light & Giving
🍽 Night 1: The Heart of Giving
🔹 Discussion Starter: Read John 3:16 together – "For God so loved the world that He gave..." What does this verse teach us about giving?
🔹 Questions to Discuss:Why do you think God wants us to be generous?
Have you ever given something (time, money, effort) and felt joy in doing so?
How can we practice generosity as a family?
🔹 Family Challenge: Find something to give this week—whether it’s a kind word, an act of service, or a donation to a cause.
🍽 Night 2: Why Does Giving Matter?
🔹 Discussion Starter: Share Malachi 3:10 – “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse... I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in.”
🔹 Questions to Discuss:What do you think this verse means?
Do you believe that giving can make a difference? Why or why not?
How does giving to missions like Speed the Light help people around the world?
🔹 Family Challenge: Look up a missionary story together and pray for them as a family.
🍽 Night 3: Finding Your “Why” in Giving
🔹 Discussion Starter: Each family member shares a time when they received an unexpected blessing.
🔹 Questions to Discuss:Why do you think people give?
What is something you feel passionate about supporting?
If you could give or serve in any way, what would it be?
🔹 Family Challenge: Brainstorm a fun family project to raise funds or help someone in need. Could you do a bake sale, a service project, or donate as a family?
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I. Why is Giving Important?
🔹 Biblical Principle: Giving is an act of obedience and faith. (Malachi 3:10)
🔹 Key Thought: God calls us to give, and giving is at the heart of Christianity. (John 3:16)
🔹 Illustration: Imagine trying to receive a gift with clenched fists—when we open our hands to give, we also open them to receive God’s blessings.
🔹 Challenge: Are we trusting God enough to be generous?II. Why Do We Give to Speed the Light?
🔹 Mission Focus: Speed the Light provides essential transportation, creative communication, and compassionate demonstration for missionaries.
🔹 Key Thought: 42% of the world has never heard the gospel—giving helps reach them.
🔹 Illustration: A missionary in Africa receiving a Speed the Light vehicle allows them to travel to remote villages to share the gospel.
🔹 Challenge: What if our giving could help someone meet Jesus for the first time?III. Why Do You Give?
🔹 Personal Reflection: Everyone’s reason for giving is different—what’s yours?
🔹 Key Thought: Giving isn’t about getting rewards; it’s about showing love for God and others. (2 Corinthians 8:7)
🔹 Illustration: Some students give out of allowance, some sell things, some do extra work—but it’s not about the amount, it’s about the heart behind it.
🔹 Challenge: Are you “all in” when it comes to generosity? What step can you take?Conclusion & Call to Action
✅ Giving is a command from God.
✅ Giving to Speed the Light helps spread the gospel worldwide.
✅ Giving is personal—find your reason and take action.🔹 Prayer Challenge: Ask God to show you how He wants you to give and make an impact.
🔹 Practical Next Step: Brainstorm ways you can give—fundraisers, creative projects, or sacrificial giving.Final Thought: “We give so that missionaries can travel faster, preach clearer, and be heard louder—so all people can know Jesus.” 🚀
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Malachi 3:10 (NLT)
"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do," says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!"
John 3:16 (NLT)
"For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
2 Corinthians 8:7 (NLT)
"Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving."
These verses highlight the importance of giving, God’s ultimate gift to us, and the challenge to excel in generosity. Let me know if you need anything else!
