Martin Steel, Harbourside Church Auckland; at Nexus Church

Martin and Roslyn Steel; Auckland :  http://www.harboursidechurch.org/

I am being challenged by people of God not to compartmentalise the supernatural of Jesus,
it is a whole of life experience to be embraced - yes.

I write a only a part of Martin's excellent talk here.
This is from slim notes of the talk; my additions are in brackets. - Enjoy.....

Martin says :

"I want to release a grace of Faith and Generosity – 

we are not to compartmentalise the supernatural.

2Co.8

Paul uses the example of the Macedonians to show what generosity looks like.

It is more than putting aside of your income to give; 

it is more than sacrificial offering (going without so you have more to give). 

We tap into a grace which is not God forcing a person to do more but allowing God to do more. 

Paul says the Macedonians though in trial; in Joy and in poverty were a rich and generous people. 

Now if you took that to a business seminar on becoming rich & generous it would not go over well! 

eg Ok to be successful make sure you’ve got big problems, you’re destitute but have a happy time! That’s Not the formula you see in success seminars, but Paul says they are a rich and generous people giving beyond what they were able. 

This is a grace from God as shown in Jesus (though very rich He became poor for us then allowed us to be co-heirs)

"WE WANT to tell you further, brethren, about the grace (the favor and spiritual blessing) of God which has been evident in the churches of Macedonia [arousing in them the desire to give alms]; For in the midst of an ordeal of severe tribulation, their abundance of joy and their depth of poverty [together] have overflowed in wealth of lavish generosity on their part. For, as I can bear witness, [they gave] according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability; and [they did it] voluntarily, " AMP

Now what does giving beyond our ability mean.

There is a supernatural Grace that is at work here.

They gave all they could, then Jesus increased it, beyond their ability.

When that boy gave over all that he had of food (of his mum’s thoughtfully packed lunch) 

that was his generous spirit on show.

Jesus took of that generosity and by His grace of generosity,

multiplied it at least 5000 times to feed the hungry (for His Word). 

Jesus bestows supernatural grace upon our generosity that is beyond our ability – Yes:.

part of Harbourside Church vision :

To build a strong, healthy, and growing church - At Harbourside Church we recognise that it is Jesus Christ who builds the church, we also acknowledge that we have the privilege of being “fellow labourers with Christ” in this cause. The church needs to be built from the outside – in, and from the inside – out. We build from the outside – in as unchurched people are brought into a living relationship with Christ. We build from the inside – out when believers in our church family grow and develop in their walk with Jesus.
We recognise that building ‘the church’ is not limited to our local church alone. The church Jesus is building is a global church made up of believers throughout every nation. Therefore we are involved in the mission of Christ locally, nationally, and globally.