Sermon Notes 22 February 2026

VISION 2030 SERIES —
Giving is an Essential Discipline
Elder Mark White
Good Hope Baptist Church
22 February 2026

TEXT: Eph 5:15–16; 1 Peter 4:10; 2 Cor 9:7; Acts 1:8; Gen 28:20-22; Prov 3:9-10; 2 Cor 9:7, 10-11; 1 John 3:17–18; Deut 15:10; Rom 12:1

SERMON THESIS
Vision 2030 is a 5-year vision for our church with 4 main pillars of delivery – Evangelism, Worship, Discipleship, and Charity (love).

This message asserts that GIVING - of Time, Talent, and Treasure - is an essential discipline to realize our strategic vision.

I. WHAT Do We Give?
The Devotion of Time:
Psalm 90:12 - Vision 2030 requires "calendar space"

Ephesians 5:15–16 - The Greek word for "making the best use" is exagorazo, which means to "redeem" or "buy back."

The Dedication of Talent:
Exodus 35:35 - Talent (skill) is divinely granted. When members use their professional or creative skills for God’s vision and purpose, we aren't just "volunteering"— we are returning a gift to the Giver.

1 Peter 4:10 - Talents are actually a manifestation of God's grace – A gift from Holy Spirit intended to edify the body

The Heart of Treasure:
Proverbs 3:9-10 - Giving is not a burden, but an act of Honor.

2 Corinthians 9:7 - God loves a cheerful giver."
Giving to the 4 pillars isn't just funding a budget; it’s an act of primary worship.

II. WHERE Do We Give?
Acts 1:8 - We give wherever we Evangelize, Disciple, Worship, and Love…
the Holy Spirit in empowering God’s mission for us. The spread of the Gospel from a local to a global context illustrates God's plan for salvation to reach all nations.

LOCATION	SIGNIFICANCE
Jerusalem	The starting point where Jesus was crucified and resurrected. In our families and our church
Judea	The surrounding region, familiar to the disciples, where Jesus ministered. In our neighborhood, work, and community
Samaria	A culturally different area, significant for outreach to those outside Jewish communities. Home missions. In Virginia and America with those that do not know the Bible or Jesus
Ends of the Earth	Represents the broader world, emphasizing the universal nature of the Gospel. Foreign Missions.

III. HOW do We Give?
As a Body, that is the Church.  And, as an Individual or Family.
Time, Talent AND Treasure

GHBC Church Giving:

• The Cooperative Program for International Missions
• Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions
• Operation Christmas Child International Children’s Mission
• Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions
• Vision Virginia Offering for Virginia State Missions
• Angel Tree Local Community Children’s Mission
• Resurrection Egg Hunt
• Bethlehem Shop and Breakfast with Santa
• Drive Through Nativity
• Vacation Bible School
• Hands of Hope
• Benevolence Fund

Examples of GHBC Committees:

• Building & Grounds
• Safety & Security
• Decorating
• Cemetery & Bereavement
• Benevolence
• Hospitality & Events
• Marketing Communications
• Social Media
• Worship Team
• Media Production & Technology Team

 
…and Missions:

• Adult Bible Fellowship
• Youth Bible Fellowship
• Children Bible Fellowship
• Youth Ministries
• Children’s Ministry
• Nursery
• Discipleship
• Intercessory Prayer
• Men’s Ministry
• Women’s Ministry
• GriefShare
• Gary’s Gals Widows’ Ministry
• 1st Impressions

Evangelism & Outreach

Gen 28:20-22; Prov 3:9-10 - Tithing is an act of worship. It is an expression of trust that God loves us and will provide. We give God BACK the first fruits, the best off the top.

2 Cor 9:7, 10-11 - Offerings are above and beyond tithing.

IV. WHY Do We Give?
The Motivation of Love:
1 Chronicles 29:14 - We can only give to others because God first gave to us. This removes pride from the "execution" of the vision.

1 John 3:17–18 - This warns against "theoretical love." True love (Agápē) is tangible.

The Response of Charity:
Deuteronomy 15:10 - This verse emphasizes the spirit of the giver. The church's work in the community is a true reflection of God’s love.

The Totality of Giving:
Romans 12:1 - Because of what Christ has done, the only logical response is to give everything (Time, Talent, and Treasure).
 
V. BARRIERS to giving

• Time = If Satan cannot make you bad, he makes you busy…
• Talent = worldly humility vs. living as the image bearer. Not knowing YOUR Sprit-given gifts and not using them
• Treasure = Fear. Trusting supply vs. Supplier.

All of this frames the delivery of Vision 2030 NOT as a series of tasks, but as a Living Sacrifice.
 
Giving is an essential discipline for all 4 pillars of the Vision 2030 – Evangelism, Discipleship, Worship, and Charity

We are COMMANDED to give

We are BLESSED when we obey (and miss blessings when we do not)